IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


**  IIIIM  IIIIM 

'-   "'"U    IIIII2  2 

^  m  "'" 

^    Itt    12.0 


1.8 


1.25 

1.4 

1.6 

^ 6"     — 

► 

V] 


<^ 


/}. 


'<5. 


O 


A 


O 


7 


M 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


n  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


Wjl 


v\ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 

1980 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


L'Institut  a  microfih/>6  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normals  de  fllmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 


□    Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagde 

□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul6e 

□    Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


D 
D 
□ 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  g6ographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 


~~T  Pages  damaged/ 

Pages  endommagies 


□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pellicul6es 


D 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  ddcolordes,  tachet^es  ou  piqu6es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachdes 


I     W  Showthrough/ 
I  Vl    Transparence 


I 1    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


Quality  in6gale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 


D 


□ 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout6es 
lors  dune  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film^es. 


D 


[Zf 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires; 


Imnerfect  pages  281  and  282  wanting;  replaced  by 
Xerox  reproduction. 


id 


10X 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

14X  18X  22X 

1  I  I  m  I  I  i  -7 1  I  I  I  I  r 


26X 


30X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 


Library  of  the  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  filrn^  fut  reproduit  grflce  A  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

La  bibliothdque  des  Archives 
publiques  du  Canada 


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Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
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conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmis  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  filmds  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichd,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  supdrieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  Jiagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

9 

e 

/ 


LEGENDS  OF  LE  D 


T^m" 


X  ±  % 


MARIE  CAROLINE  WATSON  HAMLIN. 


ILLUSTRATED   BY 


MISS  ISABELLA  STEWART, 


DETROIT: 

Thorndike   Noubse 

1884. 


Copyright,  1883, 
By  THORNDIKE  NOURSEL 


L 


DEDICATION. 


To  THE  Loved  Ones  at  "Tonnancour,"  on  the  Banks  of 

Lake  Saintb  Claire,  where  Under  the  Grateful 

Shade   of   a  Majestic   Willow  I   Have 

Listened  to  Many  a  Tale  of 

THE  Mystic  Past, 

These  Legends  Are  Most  Affectionately  Dedicated. 


M.  C.  W.  HAMLIN. 


Detroit,  December,  1883. 


,*in 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  word  "  Legend  "  explains  itself.  Historical  and  romantic 
flouveuirs  hang  like  tattered  drapery  around  the  fair  City  of  the 
Straits.  Interest  and  curiosity  have  only  to  shake  its  venerable 
folds  to  scatter  fragmentary  history  and  legendary  lore. 

These  weird  tales,  quaint  customs  and  beautiful  traditions  have 
been  handed  down  from  generation  to  generation  as  sacred  trusts. 
Originally  brought  from  their  cradle  in  Normandy,  they  are  still 
tenderly  cherished  in  the  homes  of  the  old  families  of  Norman 
descent  settled  along  "le  Detroit," 

It  has  been  my  good  fortune  to  hear  many  of  them  from  loving, 
though  aged  lips  of  ancestors  whose  memories  extend  back  into 
the  last  century. 

It  seems  a  befitting  tribute  to  these  noble  and  hardy  pioneers 
that  a  descendant  of  theirs  should  gather  and  preserve  in  an 
imperishable  form  these  mementoes  they  valued  so  highly. 

For  my  interest  in  the  subject,  and  for  the  historical  facts,  in 
the  writing  of  which  I  have  tried  to  be  strictly  accurate,  I  am 
indebted  to  Charlevoix,  La  Ilontan.  Lambert,  Margry's  Collec- 
tions, Parkman,  Rameau,  Lemoyne,  Campbell,  Sheldon,  Lanman, 
and  others.  The  Pontiac  Manuscript,  Morris'  Diary,  the  Cass, 
Trowbridge  and  Roberts'  Memoirs  have  also  furnished  material. 

For  the  data  made  use  of  in  the  articles  on  the  * '  French  Fami- 
lies "  I  am  under  much  obligation  to  the  records  of  Old  Ste.  Anne's 
Church,  to  the  researches  of  my  friend  L'  Abbe  Tanguay,  and  to 
the  brilliant  essayist,  poet  and  historian,  Benjamin  Suite,  of 
Ottawa. 


LEGENDS  OF  LE  DETROIT. 


CBRONOLOaiOAL  8EQCENCS. 

DATS 

1.— The  Cross  and  the  Manitou 1669 

2.— The  Baptism  of  Lake  Ste.  Chiire 1679 

3.— The  Nun  of  Ste.  Chiirc 1690 

4.— The  "Nain  Rouge" 1701 

5.— The  May  Pole 1704 

6.— The  Phantom  Priest 1705 

7. — Francois  and  Barbe 1710 

8.— The  Devil's  Grist 1712 

9.— Jean  Chiquot 1721 

10.— The  Widow's  Curse 1735 

1 1 .— Le  Lut  in 1746 

13.— The  Warrior's  Love 1747 

13.— The  Miami  Seer's  Prophecy 1758 

14.— The  Bones  of  the  Prophet 1761 

15.— The  Bloody  Run 1763 

16.— Lo  Loup  Garou 1770 

17.— The  Old  Red  Mill 1775 

18.— La  Chasse  Galerie 1780 

19.— Le  Feu  Follet 1785 

20.— The  Feast  of  St.  Jean 1790 

21.— Hamtramck's  Love 1793 

22.— The  Haunted  Spinning  Wheel 1795 

23.— The  Cursed  Village 1800 

24. — San  Souci  and  Okemos 1805 

25.— The  Sibyl's  Prophecy 1806 

26.— Captain  Jean 1807 

27.— Kennette's  Vision 1808 

28.— The  Fisherman  of  Grosse  Pointe 1810 

29.— The  Ghost  of  Mongaugon 1813 

80.— The  Eve  of  Epiphany 1813 

81.— Kishkaukou 1815 


1 

PAOB 

w 

1 

8 
17 
22 

80 
40 

49 

57 

04 

71 

'■       ■   ( 

77 
85 

91 

97 

t.# 

103 

it'^ 

118 

m 

12» 

kr 

126 

134 

:-:;A  [ 

143          1 

■  -  i  . 

151 

■   i-'^', 

161 

169 

180 

;■  •  * 

189 

M 

197 

305 

313 

a  •■  _^ 

220 

gin 

228 

■ 

28T 

■ 

m 


7. 
8. 


35. 
36. 


INDEX  TO  EARLY  FRENCH  FAMILIES. 


PAOC. 

1.  Introduction  to  tub  Families 363 

2.  Stk.  Anne's  Ciiuucii 264 

8.  Okkickks  of  thk  Four 869 

4.  Adiikmau  i)K  8t,  Mautin 669 

6.  AsKiN — nee  Barthe 273 

6.  Baby 371 

7.  Barn AiiD — see  De»noyers tJ94 

8.  P  VRTiiE 373 

9.  i>EAUFAIT 375 

10.  Brush— «ee  Barthe 273 

11.  Campeau 275 

13.  Chamert 381 

13.  Chapoton 381 

14.  CiiESNE 383 

15.  Cicotte 384 

16.  Cuillerier  de  Beaubien 389 

17.  C/OLE — see  Desnoyem 394 

18.  De  Mersac 390 

19.  De  Quindre 890 

30.  Descomptes  Labadie ...  391 

31.  Desnoyers 394 

83.  Douaire  de  Bondy 296 

33.  Dubois 397 

34.  Gamelin 397 

85.  GoDE  DE  Marantay 398 

86.  GoDFROY 399 

87.  GouiN 304 

88.  Grants— s«<j  Barthe 873 

89.  Hall— sg€  Oodfroy 399 

30.  Hamlin— «^fl  Oodfroy 399 

31.  Lotiiman  de  Barrois 805 

33.  MoRAND 305 

33.  Navarre 807 

34.  Palms — see  Campeau 875 

35.  Pelletier 311 

36.  Piquette — see  Campeau 875 

37.  Reaume 813 

38.  RioPELLE 314 

39.  Rivard 314 

40.  St.  Aubin 315 

41.  Van  Dyke — see  Desnoyers 394 

43.  ViLLiER  DiT  St.  Louis 316 

43.  VissiER  dit  Laferte 317 

44.  Watson — see  Oodfroy 899 


\  -I- 1 


i    'i 


■     I'* 


i     f   U 


EERATA. 


Page  23— For  1674,  read  169Jf. 

44—  "    Grandmensil,  read  Grandinemil. 
"       50 —  "    Rancee,  read  Benee. 
"     213 —  "     Diploinate,  read  diplomat. 
«     226—  "     (Note— Arpent),  for  19  read  192. 
231 —  "     Onto  (in  seventh  line)  read  into. 


I 


I   •  'f 


'  t 


Hi      » 


'  if 


"Wir 


&::.,^>r . 


PONTIAC  TKBB. 


aj 

as 

si 

wl 

ill 


THE  CROSS  AND  THE  MANITOU. 


A  Legrend  of  Belle  Isle. 

OW  frequently,  as  we  sail  on  the 
beautiful  Detroit  River,  or  tread 
the  busy  streets  of  the  prosper- 
ous city,  does  the  mind  go  back 
to  the  remote  past,  v^^ndering 
what  kind  of  men  were  those 
brave  explorers  who  iirst  visited  the  wilds  of 
theP3  regions  and  gazed  upon  them  in  all  their 
virgin  loveliness.  History  has  preserved  to  us 
the  names  of  two  of  these. 

Francois  Dollier  de  Casson  had  served  as  a  cav- 
alry officer  of  renown  under  Turenne,  and  laid 
aside,  in  his  ancestral  halls  in  Brittany,  his  sword, 
sheathed  in  laurels,  to  take  up  the  cross  which 
was  to  lead  him  through  the  trackless  forests  of 
the  new  world. 
1 


1  :  *  ii  m 


2  Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 

Abbe  Brehant  de  Galinee  was  a  student  whose 
knowledge  of  surveying  and  geography  made 
him  a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  explorers  of  a 
new  country,  and  to  his  graphic  pen  are  we 
indebted  for  a  detailed  account  of  the  visit  of  the 
missionary  explorers  to  Detroit. 

They  arrived  in  Montreal  from  France  at  the 
time  when  La  Salle's  great  project  for  the  explo- 
ration of  the  far  West  was  the  theme  of  every 
tongue.  So  thoroughly  were  all  imbued  with  the 
spirit  of  adventure,  the  desire  of  gain  and  the 
glory  of  extending  the  arms  and  name  of  France, 
that  even  enlisted  soldiers  were  allowed  to  apply 
for  a  discharge  if  they  wished  to  accompany  him. 

La  Salle  had  just  received  the  necessary  per- 
mission and  orders  from  Be  Courcelles,  then  Gov- 
ernor of  Canada,  to  lit  up  his  expedition  for  the 
exploration  of  that  great  river  called  by  the  Iro- 
quois, Ohio,  by  the  French,  Belle  Riviere,  really 
an  arm  of  the  Mississippi,  of  which  such  marvel- 
lous things  were  told  by  the  Indians,  who  came 
each  season  to  trade  at  Quebec  and  Montreal. 

Numerous  tribes  who  had  never  been  visited  by 
the  "black  gown  "  were  said  to  people  its  shores. 
So  Dollier  and  Galinee  determined  to  carry  to 
these  nations  the  knowledge  of  the  true  God. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  1669,  the  little  fleet  of  seven 
birch  bark  canoes,  each  manned  by  three  men,  and 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


laden  with  the  necessary  merchandise  to  exchange 
with  tlie  Indians  along  their  route  for  provisions, 
beaver  skins  and  other  furs,  bade  adieu  to  Mon- 
treal amid  the  joyous  notes  of  the  Te  Deum  and 
the  sound  of  the  arquebus.  They  reached  Lake 
Frontenac  (Ontario)  August  2,  and  the  24th  c  f 
September  an  Indian  village  called  Timaouataoua, 
where  they  renuiined  some  time  waiting  for  guides. 
There  they  overtook  Louis  Joliet,  who  was  on  his 
Avay  to  Lake  Superior  in  search  of  a  copper  mine, 
wonderful  specimens  from  which  had  been  sent  to 
Montreal  by  the  Jesuit  Allouez.  The  latter  was 
then  at  Sault  Ste.  Marie,  whither  he  had  gone 
through  the  Ottawa  River,  LakeSimcoe,  and  with 
numerous  portages  into  Georgian  Bay.  It  was 
also  Joliet' s  object  to  discover  a  shorter  route,  and 
one  which  could  obviate  the  necessity  of  so  many 
tedious  portages.  Accident  had  revealed  this  route 
to  La  Salle.  Being  out  hunting  one  day  he  found 
an  Iroquois  exhausted  by  sickness  and  travel 
worn.  He  tenderly  cared  for  him,  and  the  Indian 
repaid  his  kindness  by  sketching  on  a  clean  sheet 
of  bark,  with  a  piece  of  charcoal,  the  position  of 
the  lakes  and  the  route  to  the  Ohio  and  Missis- 
sippi. This  crude  chart  proved  a  precious  legacy 
to  the  energetic  and  intrepid  La  Salle.  Unfortu- 
nately he  was  taken  ill,  and  his  malady  was  of  so 
severe  a  nature  thai  he  was  forced  for  the  time 


-J 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


to  give  up  his  cherished  project.  But  Dollier  and 
De  Galinoe,  urged  by  Joliet,  determined  to  aban- 
don the  expedition  to  the  Oliio  and  Mississippi, 
and  go  in  search  of  the  tribes  along  the  hikes. 
They  bade  adieu  to  Joliet  and  La  Salle  and  started 
on  their  perilous  journey,  accompanied  by  ?^even 
men.  They  wintered  at  Long  Point  on  the  north- 
ern shore  of  Lake  Erie.  From  the  mildness  of 
the  climate  when  compared  with  that  of  Lower 
Canada,  the  quantity  of  its  game,  the  purity  of 
its  waters,  the  abundance  of  its  fruit,  especially 
the  grape  from  which  they  made  sufficient  wine 
to  usb  for  the  Holy  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass,  they 
called  it  "The  Terrestrial  Paradise  of  Canada." 
It  was  in  the  early  spring  of  1670  that  their 
canoes  landed  at  Detroit.  It  was  an  enchanting 
scene,  which  unfolded  like  a  coy  maiden,  its  rare 
loveliness  to  the  admiring  eye  of  the  European. 
He  saw  the  fresh  virgin  forests  clad  in  the  vest- 
ments of  spring,  the  broad  sweeping  river,  with 
its  graceful  curves  in  whose  limpid  waters  thous- 
ands of  fish  could  be  seen,  along  the  banks  teem- 
ing herds  of  bison,  and  droves  of  deer  gazing  with 
wondering  eyes  on  the  stranger.  The  air  was  per- 
fumed by  woodland  fiowers  which  scattered  their 
sweet  incense  to  the  music  of  the  birds,  whose 
gorgeous  plumage  almost  rivaled  the  llowf^rs  in 
hue.     Above  all  was  present  that  grand  &jlemn 


■"V: 


"^•H 


'% 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit.  ft 

silence  only  found  in  the  heart  of  the  forest,  resting 
like  a  hiished  benediction.  After  wandering  about 
some  time  in  this  fair  region,  and  widi  hearts  over- 
jiowing  with  emotions  of  love  and  gratitude  to- 
wards Him  who  had  led  their  footsteps  here,  they 
came  upon  an  oi)en  clearing  in  the  center  of  which 
arose  a  grassy  mound  crowned  by  a  rude  stone 
idol.  It  was  a  crude  production  of  nature,  created 
by  her  in  a  lit  of  abstraction  and  which  the  In- 
dians had  attempted  to  convert  into  the  semblance 
of  a  deity  by  touches  of  vermillion.  Offerings  of 
tobacco,  skins  of  animals,  and  articles  of  food 
were  scattered  in  reckless  profusion  at  its  feet. 
This,  then,  was  the  great  Manitou,  of  whom  their 
guides  had  spoken,  who  held  in  his  hand  the 
Avinds,  and  whose  mighty  voice  was  heard  in  the 
storm  that  swept  over  the  lakes.  He  was  held 
in  great  veneration,  and  as  the  Indian  launched 
his  frail  bark  on  the  treacherous  waters  of  the 
lakes  he  would  come  with  his  offering  of  propitia- 
tion to  this  wayside  place  of  pilgrimage.  The 
missionaries,  indignant  at  this  exhibition  of  idol- 
atry, broke  the  statue  in  a  thousand  pieces,  and  in 
its  place  erected  a  cross,  at  whose  foot  they  affixed 
the  coat  of  arms  of  France  with  this 

INSCRIPTION  : 

In  the  year  of  grace  1670,  Clement  IX.  being  seated  in  tlie  chair 
of  St.  Peter,  Louis  XIV.  reigning  in  France,  Monsieur  de  Cour- 


6 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


celles  being  Governor  of  New  France  and  Monsieur  Talon  being 
the  Intendant  of  tlie  -ling,  two  missionaries  of  the  Seminary  of 
Montreal,  accompanied  by  seven  Frenchmen  arrived  at  this  place 
and  are  the  first  of  all  tlie  European  people  who  wintered  on  the  land 
bordering  on  Lake  Erie,  which  they  took  possession  of  in  th© 
name  of  tiieir  King,  as  a  country  unoccupied,  and  have  affixed 
the  arms  of  France  at  the  foot  of  this  cross. 

(Signed)  FKANCOTS  DOLLIER, 

Priest  of  the  Diocese  of  Nantes,  Brittany. 

De  Galinee, 
Deacon  of  the  Diocese  of  Rennes,  Brittany. 

Takiijg  the  largest  fragment  of  the  broken  idol, 
the  missionaries  lashed  two  canoes  together  and 
towed  it  to  the  deepest  part  of  the  river  so  that 
it  should  be  heard  of  no  more.  But  the  tradition 
says  that  after  the  fathers  were  far  away,  a  band 
of  Indians  coming  to  offer  their  homage  to  the 
deity  found  only  its  mutilated  remains.  Each 
took  a  fragment  which  he  placed  in  his  canoe  as  a 
fetish,  and  it  guided  them  to  where  the  Spirit  of 
the  Manitou  had  taken  refuge  under  the  deep, 
sombre,  shadow  of  Belle  Tsle.  He  bade  them 
bring  every  fragment  of  his  broken  image  and  to 
strew  them  on  the  banks  of  his  abode.  They 
obeyed  his  order,  and  behold!  each  stone  was 
converted  into  a  rattlesnake,  which  should  be  as  a 
sentinel  to  guard  the  sacredness  of  his  domain 
from  the  profaning  foot  of  the  white  man.  To 
the  answering  call  of  those  who  cp.me  to  his  leafy 
retreat  he  would  mockingly  re-echo  their  words. 
Many  a  laughter  loving  party  as  they  lazily  float 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit.  7 

on  the  moonlit  waters  of  the  Detrctit,  amuse  them- 
selves in  awakening  the  angry  spirit  of  the  Indian 
god  as  they  test  the  echoes  of  Belie  Isle. 

Belle  Isle  has  changed  name  four  times. 

1,  It  was  first  called  Isle  Ste.  Claire  (Charlevoix). 

3  1  Rattlesnake  Island  from  the  number  of  these  serpents  which 
infested  it. 

8.  Hog  Island,  (Isle  Aux  Cochons,)  by  the  French  from  the 
number  of  these  animal?  put  there  to  destroy  thcj  snakes. 

4.  Belle  Isle,  in  184  >,  after  Miss  Belle  Cass,  daughter  of  General 
Cass  and  afterward  the  wife  of  Baron  Von  Limburg. 


II 


THE  BAPTISM  OF  LAKE  SAINTE  CLAIRE. 


A  Legrend  of  the  Griffin's  Voyag-e. 


I'KIKCJ  the  long  winter 
niontlis  of  1678-9  there 
might  have  been  witness- 
ed on  the  banks  of  the 
Niagara  River,  some  five 
miles  above  the  Falls  and 
near  the  mouth  of  what 
is  now  known  as  Cayuga  CreeJi,  an  undertaking 
new  and  unheard  of  in  that  locality,  and  well 
calculated  to  excite  the  wonder  and  amazement 
of  the  savage  denizens  of  the  surrounding  forests. 
It  was  the  building  of  a  ship  by  the  daring 
band  of  French  explorers  under  the  Sieur  de  La 
Salle — the  first  sailing  vessel  that  ever  navigated 
Lake  Erie  and  the  upper  lakes,  and  the  pioneer 
of  the  vast  commerce  that  now  plows  these  waters. 
Through  the  dreary  winter  the  little  band  of 


i1 

i 


Legends  of  Ix  Detroit, 


9 


workmen  toiled  assiduously,  thou<^h  their  food  at 
times  was  only  parched  corn,  and  they  had  to 
depend  to  a  great  extent  on  the  uncertain  sup- 
plies of  lish  and  game  furnished  by  the  Indians, 
wliile  si)ikes,  chains,  anchors  and  even  cannon  had 
to  be  carried  up  the  rocky  steeps  from  the  level  of 
Lake  Ontario.  The  undaunted  energy  and  iron 
courage  of  their  commander,  La  Salle,  aided  by 
the  pious  exhortations  of  the  Recollet  Chaplain, 
Louis  Hennepin,  bidding  them  to  labor  for  the 
gloiy  of  God  and  the  honor  of  France,  made  them 
indifferent  to  the  taunts  and  jeers  of  the  jealous 
Indians.  Their  imaginations  were  inflamed  and 
their  enthusiasm  aroused  by  glorious  pictures  of 
the  new  discoveries  to  be  made  in  the  far  West ; 
of  the  great  honors  and  fortunes  all  were  to 
acquire  ;  of  the  new  traffic  that  was  to  be  opened 
in  the  hides  of  the  wild  cattle  that  roamed  in 
countless  numbers  over  the  plains ;  of  the  inex- 
haustible supply  of  furs  they  could  draw  from 
the  rich  mines  of  Mexico,  and  of  the  outlet  for 
all  this  wealth  w^hich  was  to  be  found  at  the  mouth 
of  the  great  Mississippi  that  La  Salle  was  to  open 
to  the  ships  of  France. 

The  shadows  of  the  summer  of  1679  had  deep- 
ened before  the  little  brigantine  of  forty-five  tons 
approached  completion.  The  commander  had 
•decided  to  name  her  the  "  Griffin,"  in  allusion  to 


10 


IjCijenda  of  Le  Detroit. 


the  arms  of  the  Comte  de  Prontenac,  Avhose  sup- 
porters were  "  Griffins/'  An  expert  wood  carver 
from  Rouen  liad  carved  for  the  sliip's  bows  a  won- 
derful image  of  tlie  fabled  monster,  half  lion  and 
half  eagle,  with  ^ars  erect,  emblematic  of  strength, 
swiftness  and  watchfulness.  J3ut  among  the  more 
pious  of  the  band  the  name  was  deemed  an  evil 
one,  and  their  superstitious  natures  conjured  up 
disasters  to  come,  "For,"  they  said,  "a  vessel  con- 
structed for  such  an  enterprise  ought  to  be  named 
after  the  Blessed  Lady,  or  at  least  after  one  of 
the  saints.' '  La  Salle  laughed  at  such  notions,  and 
tried  to  impress  on  the  minds  of  the  Frenchmen 
and  Indians  that  the  Griffin  was  a  powerful  Man- 
itou,  who  would  protect  them  from  all  harm,  and 
guide  them  safely  to  their  destination. 

At  last  all  was  ready  for  the  launch — the  crew 
were  assembled  and  the  notes  of  the  "  Te  Deum  " 
floated  on  the  air.  A  bottle  of  brandj'  was  broken 
over  the  bows  of  the  /essel,  and  liberal  pota- 
tions distributed  among  the  Indians.  A  salute 
was  fired  from  the  seven  guns,  ranged  along  the 
decks,  and  amidst  the  enthusiastic  shouts  of 
"  vive  le  Roi,"  the  vessel  glided  from  her  ways, 
and  floated  on  the  waters  of  the  Niagara  River. 
The  indignation  of  the  Indians  who  were  watch- 
ing, and  who  had  never  dreamed  it  possible  to 
launch  her,  knew  no  bounds.     At  last  she  was 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


11 


beyond  their  power  to  destroy  by  fire,  which  they 
had  several  times  attempted.  La  Salle,  with  a 
number  of  his  men,  liad  returned  to  the  shore  and 
noti(ung  the  clia<i:rin  of  the  savages,  pointed  to 
thelhig  withaClriffin  emblazoned  thereon,  proudly 
waving  from  the  masthead,  and  tauntingly  ex- 
claimed : 

"  Xow  you  can  see  the  eagle  flying  above  the 
crows,"  alluding  to  the  black-gowned  Jesuits 
whom  he  deemed  hisenemiesandwhat  was  worse, 
entirely  too  friendly  with  the  Iroquois. 

On  this  the  noted  prophet  Metiomek  could  no 
longer  contain  himself,  and  exclaimed:  "Great 
Chief,  you  are  too  proud.  You  have  shown  con- 
tempt for  the  Great  Spirit  who  rules  all  things, 
and  you  have  set  up  an  evil  spirit  on  His  throne. 
You  seek  the  tribes  of  the  west  to  trade  with  them 
and  to  destroy  them  with  your  cursed  flre-water. 
You  sneer  at  the  "black  gowns"  Onontio  sent 
us,  who  have  taught  us  to  worship  the  Great  Spirit 
and  till  the  ground.  But  Metiomek,  the  prophet 
of  his  race,  bids  you  beware ;  darkness,  like  a 
cloud,  is  ready  to  envelop  you — the  Christian 
Indian's  curse  rests  on  you  and  on  your  great 
canoe.  She  will  sink  beneath  the  deep  waters  and 
your  blood  shall  stain  the  hands  of  those  in  whom 
you  trusted  ! ' ' 

As  Metiomek  gave  utterance  to  this  prophecy  in 


I 


■IJ 


"t. 


12 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


\   A 


deep  and  impressive  tones,  amidst  the  most  sol- 
emn silence,  Fathers  Hennepin  and  Zenoble 
looked  serious,  and  the  sailors  ominously  whis- 
pered to  each  other  their  apprehensions,  but 
La  Salle,  with  his  usual  exuberance  of  spirits, 
carelessly  laughed  away  the  rebellious  nuitterings 
which  huttered  like  a  light  cloud  over  the  assem- 
bly. 

On  August  7,  1G79,  the  great  square  sails  of  the 
brigantine  were  set,  and  La  Salle,  mounting  the 
lofty  stern,  gave  orders  to  take  a  course  of  west 
by  south,  and  sailed  away  on  the  unknown  waters. 

Despite  the  prophecy,  the  voyage  was  most 
prosperous,  and  favorable  winds  carried  them 
twenty  leagues  the  first  night.  On  the  8th  they 
made  forty-live  leagues  and  passed  a  point  which 
they  named  St.  Francis  (now  Long  Point).  On 
the  9th  they  passed  Point  au  Pelee  ;  and  on  the 
lOtli,  the  feast  of  St.  Lawrence,  they  saw  the  Trois 
SoMirs  (Tliree  Sisters'  Islands),  standing  like  the 
three  Parcse,  guarding  the  terrestrial  paradise  of 
le  Detroit. 

As  they  sailed  by  Grosse  Isle  and  the  adjacent 
island,  their  spirits  were  wonderfully  exhilavated. 

"We  found,"  says  Father  Hennepin  in  his 
journal,  "the  country  on  both  sides  of  this  beau- 
ful  strait,  adorned  with  line  open  plains.  Any 
number  of  stags,  deer,  bear  (by  no  means  lierce, 


I 
I 

i 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


18 


and  very  good  to  eat)  poules  d'indesit  iii  abun- 
dance, and  all  kinds  of  game.  The  vessel's  guys 
were  loaded  and  decked  with  the  wild  animals 
our  French  and  Indian  hunters  shot  and  dressed. 
The  islands  on  both  shores  of  the  straits  are  cov- 
ered with  primeval  forests,  fruit  trees,  like  wal- 
nuts, chestnuts,  plums  and  apple  trees,  wiki  vines 
loaded  with  grai)es,  of  which  latter  some  were  gath- 
ered, and  a  quantity  of  wine  was  made.  The  vast 
herds  of  deer  surprised  us  all,  and  it  appeavs  to  be 
the  place  of  all  others  where  the  deer  lov;  to  con- 
gregate." And  so  the  pioneer  ship  sailed  up  "le 
Detroit,''  or  the  strait  now  called  the  Detroit  Riv- 
er^ and  passed  the  site  of  the  x^resent  great  city. 
They  noticed  on  shore  the  spot  where  ten  years  be- 
fore Dollier  and  Gallinoe  (who  had  visited  these 
regions  in  a  birch  bark  canoe)  had  broken  in 
pieces  the  painted  stone  idol,  worshiped  as  a 
Manitou  by  the  Indians.  They  saw  on  the  border 
of  tlie  forests  the  Indian  village  of  "  Teusclia 
Grondie,"  and,  to  impress  the  fleeing  savages, 
gave  them  a  grand  salute  from  the  guns — but  the 
boat  glided  too  rapidly  for  them  to  hear  the  im- 
precations hurled  after  them  by  the  Indians,  and 
the  winds  kindly  wafted  them  away  from  the 


X  Wild  turkey. 

*  Wa-we-a-tu-nong.     Indian  name  for  Detroit  Kivcr. 


14 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


ill 


'!  Ij] 
11   i   1 


European  ears.  "May  the  Manitou  whom  we 
worship,"  they  shouted,  "and  Wis  Kin,  who 
guards  the  gates  of  the  lakes,  devour  the  evil 
pale  face  who  conies  among  us  with  his  white 
winged  bird  vomiting  forth  lire,  smoke  and  thun- 
der ;  and  may  the  Manitou  whom  the  black  gowns 
cast  in  the  lake  many  moons  ago  so  trouble  the 
waters,  that  their  canoe  shall  find  no  rest  thereon 
and  be  drawn  down  to  the  home  of  the  evil  spirit 
at  the  bottom]  of  the  lake."  Unconscious  of  the 
malediction  evoked  by  the  savage  foes,  the  Griffin 
passed  Belle  Isle  into  a  circular- shaped  lake  at 
the  head  of  the  river. 

1'he  summer  sun  was  setting  and  flooding  the 
waters  with  its  golden  hues — the  soft  sound  of 
the  vesper  bell  died  away  in  sweet  cadences.  The 
little  baud  of  hardy  explorers  fell  on  their  knees 
giving  thanks  to  Heaven  for  their  prosperous  voy- 
age. On  the  lofty  stern  of  the  vessel  was  Rob- 
ert Cavalier  de  la  Salle,  future  explorer  of  the 
Mississippi ;  by  his  side  Henri  de  Tonty,  his 
captain  of  brigade ;  near  by,  his  partners  in  the 
enterprise,  the  Sieur  de  Boirondet  and  the 
Sieur  d'Autray,  and  also  the  notary  Jacques  La 
Meterie  and  Jean  Michel  the  surgeon.  Sixteen 
French  voyageurs  and  a  small  number  of  Indians 
comprised  the  crew.  As  they  rose  from  their 
devotions  Father  Louis  Hennepin  addressed  them 


111  ! 


'F,-. 


^ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


15 


a  short  discourse,  and  concluded  by  saying : 
"This  is  the  feast  of  Ste.  Claire,  let  us  commem- 
orate it  by  bestowing  her  name  on  this  beautiful 
sheet  of  water.  I  hereby  solemnly  baptize  it  Lac 
Sainte  Claire,  by  which  it  will  be  henceforth 
known."  Then  all  pledged  the  newly  christened 
lake  in  many  a  bumper  of  wine  made  from  the 
Detroit  River  grapes. 

The  Griffin's  journey  to  Lake  Michigan  where 
La  Salle  left  her  in  order  to  i)ursue  his  discoveries, 
his  vain  effort  to  find  the  mouth  of  the  great  river 
he  had  explored  while  on  his  second  expedition 
from  France,  and  the  closing  of  his  adventurous 
career  by  the  murderous  hands  of  his  men  are 
events  which  have  illustrated  many  a  glorious  page 
of  our  history.  The  attempt  of  the  vessel  to  return 
loaded  with  a  precious  cargo  of  furs  is  mentioned, 
but  uncertainty  throws  its  melancholy  shadow 
over  its  subsequent  fate  and  that  of  its  daring 
crew.  But  Indian  tradition  sees  the  angry  Mani- 
tous  of  the  water  surround  the  ill-fated  ship  and 
drift  her  into  unknown  realms,  and  on  bright 
moonlight  nights  they  hear  a  full  chorus  of  manly 
voices*  chanting  the  evening  hymn,  and  frequently 
the  image  of  a  phantc  n  ship  is  seen  in  the  clouds. 

*These  voices  are  no  myths.  Science  has  examined  into  the 
cause  and  says  they  are  produced  by  the  beating  of  the  waves  on  a 
peculiarly  sonorous  shingle.     Along  the  northern  coast  of  certain 


10  Legends  of  Le  Detroit 

islands  in  Lake  Superior  is  a  low  cliff  of  compact,  fine-grained 
limestone  which  clinks  like  steel  under  the  hammer.      When  the- 
wind  blows  from  the  northeast,  the  waves  beating  at  the  foot  of 
the  cliff  dash  the  fragments  of  stone  against  each  other,  causmg 
them  to  give  forth  peculiar  sounds.    It  is  an  Eolian  harp  of  stone. 


m 


!il!|ii:!i 


I 


IK 


Ill 


'1 
<       \ 

i 

ii 
1 

i 

THE  NUN  OF  STE.  CLAIRE. 


1 


A  Liegrend  of  the  "Coureur  des  Bois." 


LONG  before  Cadillac  had  founded  our  beau- 
tiful city  of  Detroit,  certain  bold  rovers 
called  coureurs  des  bois  had  already  pitched 
tlieir  tents  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Ste.  Claire. 
Among  them  was  Jean  Parent,  whose  stern,  silent 
face  like  a  tomb  seemed  to  hide  the  dust  of  dead 
and  buried  hopes.  He  had  left  beneath  Canada's 
skies  the  graves  of  v/if  e,  parents  and  kindred.  One 
tender  rootlet  remained  to  try  to  win  him  back  to 
life — little  Genevieve,  his  daughter,  whom  he  had 
brought  with  him  to  Grosse  Pointe,  whose  happy, 
sunny  disposition  caused  joy  to  reign  in  the  full- 
ness of  her  grace.  As  the  father  gazed  upon  his 
growing  child  he  would  smile,  as  if  some  far- 
gone  memory  came  back  to  surprise  his  heart. 


18 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


m 


An  expression  of  gentleness  would  flash  on  his 
face,  and  his  voice  would  soften  like  the  winds 
when  the  storm  is  o'er.  Others  soon  found  this 
wild  forest  flower  and  offered  her  their  simple 
homage.  Shyiy  she  turned  away  from  them  ;  the 
tremulous  wings  of  her  heart  were  still  furled, 
and  she  waited  only  to  fly  from  the  world  to  rest 
on  the  bosom  of  her  Saviour.  She  was  anxious  to 
devote  her  life  to  the  service  of  God,  and  had 
written  some  time  ^^revious  to  the  opening  of  our 
story  to  her  aunt,  tl  e  superior  of  the  Ursuline 
convent  at  Three  Riv  jrs,  to  be  admitted  as  a  nun 
in  her  community. 

Jacques  Morand  one  day  met  Genevieve,  and 
was  charmed  as  if  by  a  vision.  He  was  one  of 
the  fifty  men  who  had  come  with  Duluth  in  1680 
to  found  a  fort  near  the  present  Fort  Gratiot,  to 
which  they  gave  the  name  of  Fort  St.  Joseph. 
Genevieve  tried  by  every  gentle  art  to  make  him  un- 
derstand that  his  efforts  were  in  vain.  Seeing  him 
still  persistent,  and  knowing  that  vanity  plucks 
from  her  quiver  her  barbed  arrows  only  when 
rivalry  enters  the  field,  she  told  him  the  desire  of 
her  heart  was  to  become  a  nun.  This  resolution 
on  her  part  only  inflamed  his  wish  to  possess  her 
either  by  fair  or  foul  means.  He  appealed  in  his 
desperation  for  assistance  to  an  old  Indian  witch 
who  practiced  her  incantations  in  the  darkest  part 


s 

V 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


19 


of  the  forest,  untenanted  save  by  the  ghosts  of 
gloom.  On  his  promising  to  sell  his  soul  to  the 
devil  she  gave  him  the  power  to  change  himself 
into  the  form  of  a  wolf  or  Loup  Garou  (wehr-wolf ), 
so  he  might  more  easily  carry  away  his  victim. 

The  postal  system  of  those  primitive  days  was 
not  as  perfect  or  expeditious  as  at  present,  so 
Genevieve  had  many  long  vigils  to  keep  ere  an 
answer  would  arrive.     She  spent  most  of  her  time 
in  preparing  herself  for  her   new  vocation    by 
prayer  and  fasting.    Some  pious  hands  had  raised, 
on  the  border  of  the  forest,  beneath  an  ancient 
oak  whose  acorn  had  been  cradled  ages  before,  an 
altar  to  Notre  Dame  de  Bonsecour.     Genevieve 
wished  to  erect  one  on  the  beach.     So,  assisted  by 
her  father,  she  formed  one  of  the  rocks  cast  there 
by  some  great  Manitou,  whereon   she   placed  a 
stjitue  of   the   Blessed  Virgin.     She  frequently 
visited  the  forest  shrine,  but  long  were  the  hours 
spent  at  the  one  on  the  beach.     The  waves  would 
lazily  sing  as  they  crept  upon  the  shore,  and  the 
birds  catching  the  refrain  would  chant  it  to  the 
rustling  leaves.     It  was  but  a  note  in  the  grand 
harmony  of  nature  to  which  the  girl's  yearning 
soul  responded  in  the  same  mystic  key.     Early  in 
the  springtime  when  the  earth  blossomed  with 
new  hopes,  Genevieve  sent  forth  her  petition  to 
Three  Rivers.     Late  in  the  fall,  when  the  waters 


\ 


5> 


I 


-  ■  I    s 


•1   '; 


20 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


chased  by  the  east  wind  had  nestled  at  the  foot  of 
the  rocky  shrine,  the  answer  came  to  Genevieve 
that  her  wish  was  granted.  With  lieart  aglow 
with  happiness,  which  lent  buoyancy  to  her  trip- 
ping feet  as  they  crushed  the  autumn  leaves,  she 
visited  the  sylvan  shrine  of  Bonsecour.  This 
child  of  the  wilderness  poured  forth  her  simple 
thanksgiving,  borrowing  unconscious  pathos  from 
the  dead  leaves,  frost-bitten  shrubs  and  bare  trees, 
mute  types  of  mortals'  doom. 

As  she  i^repared  to  go  towards  the  beach  her 
lover  Jacques,  in  the  form  of  a  Loup  Garou,  with 
gleaming  eyes,  sprang  out  into  her  path.  But  the 
cross  which  she  held  in  her  hand  disconcerted 
him.  Like  a  fawn  Genevieve  leaped  aside  and 
flew  swifter  than  the  wind  toward  the  lake.  The 
evil  beast  came  bounding  in  hot  pursuit.  Gene- 
vieve finding  her  strength  failing  sought  refuge  in 
the  little  grotto  of  rocks  on  the  beach.  She  threw 
herself  at  the  feet  of  the  Virgin,  imploring  aid  and 
protection.  She  felt  the  fiery  breath  of  the  brute 
and,  with  a  despairing  cry  for  mercy,  fainted. 
The  appeal  was  heard  ;  as  the  Loup  Garou  leaped 
on  the  rocks  he  was  instantly  transformed  to 
stone.  The  passer-by  to-day  may  see  at  *Tonnan- 
cour  this  old  legend  embodied  in  stone. 

*Tonnancour  is  the  name  of  Mr.  T.  P,  Hall's  summer  residence 
at  Grosse  Pointe,  so  called  from  a  title  and  seigneurie  in  the  God- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


SI 


The  fashionable  worldlings  who  drive  past 
merely  see  a  pretty  rustic  retreat,  but  the  descend- 
ants of  the  old  habitants  say,  "  Voila  le  Garou  !  " 
and  raise  their  hats  piously  to  Notre  Dame  de  Ste. 
Claire. 


froy  family  of  Three  Hi  vers,  Canada,  bestowed  by  Louis  XIV. 
September  15,  1668. 


i  I 


•  'A^ 


Hljpll 


IV 


THE  '^NAIN  ROUGE. 


i» 


A  Legend  of  the  Foundiugr  of  Detroit. 


!:!iiii 


-^    H^^ 


OFT  strains  of  music  min- 
gled  with  sounds  of  revelry 
and  joyous  laughter  issued 
from  the  banquet  hall  in 
the  grand  old  castle  of  St. 
Louis,  Quebec,  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  10th  of  March, 
1701.  Subdued,  shaded 
lights  bathed  the  room  in  mellow  radiance,  where, 
around  a  table  resplendent  with  costly  silver  and 
sparkling  glass,  sat  a  gay  party  of  French  offi- 
cers. 

At  the  head  was  Hector  Louis  de  Callieres,  Gov- 
ernor of  New  France,  and  on  his  left  the  Intend- 
ant  le  Chevalier  Bochart  de  Champigny.  Amid 
the  brilliant    group  were    those  bearing  names 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


23 


which  stood  hipjh  in  hi  belle  France — De  Montigny, 
Le  Gardeur,  Le  Aloyne,  Dagneaux  Douville,  De 
Tonty,  Godfroy  de  Tonnancour,  etc.  The  post  of 
honor  was  occupied  by  Monsieur  La  Mothe  Cad- 
illac, Sieur  de  Douaguet  and  Mont  Dosert. 

He  had  just  returned  from  France,  bringing 
with  him  from  Count  Pontchartrain,  the  Colonial 
Minister,  a  commission  of  Commandant,  and  the 
grant  of  a  tract  of  land  fifteen  acres  square,  wher- 
ever on  "  le  Detroit"  he  should  see  lit  to  locate  a 
colony  and  build  a  fort. 

AVhilst  they  are  toasting  Cadillac  in  many  a 
bumper,  let  us  turn  for  a  brief  review  of  the  event- 
ful career  of  the  founder  of  Detroit. 

Antoine  de  la  Mothe  Cadillac,  son  of  Jean  and 
Jeanne  Malenfant,  lirst  saw  light  at  Toulouse  in 
166L  At  the  age  of  16  he  entered  the  service, 
and  became  a  Lieutenant  at  21.  He  came  to  Que- 
bec with  his  regiment,  in  which  were  many  of  the 
scions  of  noble  houses.  Here  he  met  and  wedded 
the  beautiful  Marie  Therese  Guy  on,  the  daughter 
of  an  influential  and  wealthy  bourgeois.  Shortly 
afterwards  the  stern  decree  of  war  compelled  him 
to  leave  his  bride.  He  was  sent  to  Acadia,  where 
his  bravery  won  him  distinction  and  a  commission 
from  the  French  Government  to  make  a  report  of 
the  condition  of  the  English  colonies  at  that  epoch. 
Count  Frontenac  in  1674  complimented  Cadillac  as 


i, 
j 


Be   1  •;■  I 


\  ■   ] 


T-f^4^ 


Ill 


Legench  of  Le  Detroit. 

the  most  efficient  and  energetic  ofTicer  jit  his  dis- 
poanl,  by  giving  him  the  comnumd  of  Fort  Buade, 
Micliillimackinjic,  a  post  he  retained  for  five  years. 
His  treaties  with  tlie  Indians  displayed  sucli  thor- 
ough experience  and  ability  that  he  was  rewarded 
by  the  government  with  a  concession  of  the  Island 
of  Mont  Desert  (now  a  watering  place  on  the 
New  England  coast),  also  a  grant  of  a  tract  on  the 
main  land  near  the  River  Pentagoet,  called  Doua- 
guet,  from  whence  he  took  his  titles.  He  had 
several  times  passed  through  "The  Strait," 
(Detroit  River)  and  noted  with  his  quick  eye,  the 
wonderful  advantages  it  possessed.  As  a  mili- 
tary post  it  would  be  a  barrier  to  the  wily  Iroquois; 
to  the  English  a  gate,  shutting  them  off  from 
commerce  with  the  Indians  of  the  far  West,  and 
to  France,  the  center  of  the  fur  trade  in  this  section 
of  the  country.  His  earnest  representations  on 
the  desirability  of  establishing  a  post  on  "  le  De- 
troit," added  to  his  renown  as  an  able  soldier, 
had  gained  the  consent  of  the  Colonial  Minister  to 
his  daring  scheme. 

Let  us  return  to  the  festive  dinner  party,  where 
the  swiftly  passing  hours  were  enlivened  by  the 
sparkling  repartees  which  flashed  from  lip  to  lip 
and  the  brilliant  jeu  c"' esprit,  which  drew  their 
inspiration  from  the  rare,  generous  wine  of  the 
noted  cellars  of  the  castle.  / 


II  ill 


,t 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


25 


Whilst  nierriiTHMit  was  at  its  lu^i«i;lit,  a  servant 
whiHi)ered  something  in  the  host's  ear,  and  lie, 
turriin<i;  to  the  <ruests,  said:  '' MesHieiirs,  an  old 
fortune-teller  eraves  to  enter  ;  shall  I  bid  her  do 
so?"  All  were  in  that  happy  frame  of  mind 
ea«^er  for  any  diversion,  and  a  full  chorus  of  "  Oui, 
Monsieur"  was  the  resi)onse.  One  of  the  gen- 
tlemen proposed  to  change  i)laces  so  as  to  puzzle 
the  old  witch  if  she  had  heard  anything  from  the 
servants.  The  party  had  barely  changed  when 
the  door  opened  and  the  iigure  of  an  old  woman 
entered. 

So  strange,  so  bizarre,  was  her  appearance  that 
a  murmur  of  surprise  greeted  her.  A  woman  of 
unusual  height,  a  dark,  swarthy  complexion,  rest- 
less, glittering  eyes, — strangeh  fashioned  gar- 
ments yet  in  harmony  with  her  face.  Some  one 
said, ' '  What  is  your  name  ? "  In  a  deep,  sonorous 
voice,  with  a  slight  foreign  accent,  she  answered, 
''They  call  me  Mere  Minique,  La  Sorciore."  On 
her  left  shoulder  was  perched  a  black,  meagre 
cat.  Half  a  dozen  palms  were  stretched  forth  for 
her  inspection  ;  one  after  another  she  read.  When 
she  hesitated  the  cat  would  lick  her  ear,  and  the 
more  superstitious  thought  it  the  devil  giving 
information.  Many  were  the  lively  sallies  as  she 
betrayed  some  marked  peculiarity  of  the  guest, 
and  whisperings  of  amazement,  as  at  times  her 


MM 


26 


Legends  oj   Le  Detroit. 


knowledge  seemed  almost  supernatural.  At  last 
she  came  to  La  Mothe  Cadillac,  who,  naturally 
skeptical,  said,  "Ma  bonne  Mere,  see  what  you 
can  tell  for  me  of  the  future,  I  care  not  for  the 
past." 

Earnestly  scanning  his  bold,  energetic  face,  she 
took  a  brazen  basin,  into  which  she  poured  from  a 
curiously  carved  silver  vial,  which  she  drew  from 
her  breast,  a  clear,  heavy  liquid  like  quicksilver, 
and  holding  La  Mothe  Cadillac' s  hand,  gazed  inta 
the  basin.  ' '  Sieur, ' '  she  said,  ' '  yours  is  a  strange 
destiny.  A  dangerous  journey  you  will  soon 
undertake ;  you  will  found  a  great  city  which  one 
day  will  have  more  inhabit,ants  than  New  France 
now  possesses  ;  many  children  will  nestle  around 
your  fireside."  She  paused  and  Cadillac,  thor- 
oughly interested,  bade  her  continue.  "Mon 
Chevalier,  I  wish  you  had  not  commanded  ire  to 
go  on,  for  dark  clouds  are  arising  and  I  ser  dimly 
your  star.  The  policy  you  intend  pursuing  in 
selling  liquor  to  the  savages,  contrary  to  the  ad- 
vice of  the  Jesuits  will  cause  you  much  trouble, 
and  be  the  cause  oi  your  ruin.  In  years  to  come 
your  colony  will  be  the  scene  of  strife  and  blood- 
shed, the  Indians  will  be  treacherous,  the  hated 
English  will  struggle  for  its  possession,  but  under 
a  new  flag  it  will  reach  a  height  of  prosperity 
which  you  never  in  your  wildest  dr(^ams  pictured. 


ti 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


27 


Yon  will  bask  in  a  sunnier  climate,  but  France 
will  claim  your  last  sigh." 

"Shall  my  children  inherit  my  possessions?" 
asked  Cadillac,  unconsciously  giving  utterance  to 
the  secret  desire  of  his  heart. 

"Your  future  and  theirs  lie  in  your  own 
hands,  beware  of  undue  ambition  ;  it  will  mar  all 
your  plans.  Appease  the  Nain  Rouge*  (Red 
Dwarf).  Beware  of  offending  him.  Should  you 
be  thus  unfortunate  not  a  vestige  of  your  inherit- 
ance will  be  given  to  your  heirs.  Your  name  will 
be  scarcely  known  in  the  city  you  founded." 

All  were  deeply  impressed  by  the  prophecy  of 
the  sibyl,  save  him  to  whom  it  was  addressed. 
Shortly  afterwards  the  party  separated  and  Cadil- 
lac amused  his  wife  by  giving  her  a  humorous 
account  of  the  old  prophetess,  but,  to  his  amaze- 
ment, she  too,  seemed  to  look  upon  the  event  as 
of  grave  import. 

On  the  following  day  La  Mo  the  Cadillac  bade 
farewell  to  Quebec  and  left  with  his  expedition 
of  fifty  soldiers  and  fifty  artisans  and  voyageurs. 
Alphonse  de  Tonty,  a  relative  of  the  Guyons,  was 
his  captain  ;  Dugue  and  Charconale  his  lieuten- 

*  The  Nain  Rouge  was  the  demon  of  the  Strait,  and  in  the  old 
traditions  is  described  as  most  malignant,  if  offended,  but  capable 
of  being  appeased  by  flattery. 


,;; 


5 '  .3  '  ! 


I'll 


-I. '  :<.. 


iMl 


F 


28 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


IWii' 


ants;  Jacob  de  Marsac,  Sieur  de  L'Ommesprou 
his  sergeant ;  Francois  and  Jean  Fafard  his  in- 
terpreters ;  Father  Constantin  del  Halle,  a  Recol- 
let,  and  Father  Yaillant,  a  Jesuit,  the  chaplains. 
La  Mothe  Cadillac  was  not  fond  of  the  Jesuits, 
as  they  were  powerful  and  strongly  opposed  to  the 
sale  of  brandy  to  the  savages,  this  traffic  being  an 
immense  source  of  revenue  to  the  early  colonists. 
The  Jesuit  was  sent  by  the  Governor  at  the  solici- 
tation of  the  Superior  of  the  Jesuits,  and  was 
nicknamed  by  La  Mothe  Cadillac  as  "Monsieur 
de  Trop." 

Cadillac  wished  to  go  by  way  of  Lake  Erie,  but 
the  Governor  decreed  otherwise.  They  left  the 
Lachine  Rapids  the  5  th  of  June,  the  trees  were 
just  budding  and  game  and  fish  furnished  an 
abundance  of  food.  In  July  they  arrived  tit  Georg- 
ian Bay,  via  the  Grand  Eiver  of  the  Ottawas,  and 
coasting  down  the  eastern  shore  of  Lake  Huron 
they  reached,  on  the  20th,  the  river  Ste.  Claire  and 
the  old  Fort  St.  Joseph,  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Huron 
abandoned  by  Duluth  thirteen  years  before. 

On  the  24th  of  July,  1701,  the  head  of  the 
expedition  rounded  Belle  Isle  and  soon  landed  at 
a  little  cove  at  the  foot  of  the  present  Griswold 
street.  The  Ottawas  and  Hurons,  whose  villages 
were  near,  rushed  down  to  welcome  them,  as  did 
also  a  few  French  "  coureurs  des  bois,"  who  lived 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


29 


% 


.1 


here.  Two  of  their  names  are  still  i)reserved  ; 
Pierre  Roy  and  Francois  Pelletier. 

On  the  following  day,  with  great  ceremony, 
pickets  for  a  new  fort  on  the  site  of  an  old  stock- 
ade were  erected  and  a  store  house  built  on  the 
foundation  of  an  abandoned  one,  previously  con- 
structed by  the  coureurs  des  bois  for  their  winter 
supplies. 

A  salute  was  given  from  the  guns  brought  for 
the  new  fort,  which  Cadillac  christened  Fort 
*Pontchartrain.  On  the  26th,  Ste.  Anne's  day, 
with  clerical  ceremony,  the  foundation  of  the  first 
church  west  of  the  Alleghanies  was  laid.  Soon 
the  stockade,  which  enclosed  about  an  acre,t  was 
finished,  and  the  streets  of  Ste.  Anne  and  St. 
Louis  laid  out  and  lined  with  the  barracks  for 
the  troops  and  with  houses  constructed  of  hewn 
logs.  Detroit  was  founded,  and  its  prospects  for 
a  successful  colony  bright. 

The  fortune-teller's  prediction,  or  at  least  part 
of  it,-  was  verified. 


*  Royal  sanction  for  this  name  was  received  by  Cadillac  a  year 
later,  .July,  1703. 

f  An  acre  of  ground  at  the  foot  of  a  hillock  on  the  river  bank. 


u 


V 


THE  MAY  POLE. 


A  Legrend  of  "Faith  and  Homag'e." 

SIX  years  had  passed  since  the  founding  of  De- 
troit. The  frontier  settlement  began  to  as- 
sume a  civilized  aspect,  and  everywhere  the 
touch  of  woman's  hand  had  left  its  impress  of 
comfort  and  refinement  in  the  rude  pioneer  homes, 
which  already  extended  along  the  Cote  du  Nord 
Est  to  La  Riviere  Parent  (Bloody  Run). 

The  undaunted  energy  of  Cadillac  was  rewarded 
by  a  yearly  increase  of  settlers,  and  the  records 
of  Ste.  Anne's  Church,  the  most  accurate  and 
authentic  census  of  those  early  days,  show  from 
1704  to  1707  an  annual  birth  rate  of  fourteen. 

La  Mothe  Cadillac  made  his  first  grant  of  land 
to  his  interpreter,  Fafard,  on  the  10th  of  March, 
1707.    It  was  of  a  tract  adjoining  his  domains,  stip- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


31 


ulating  as  usual  for  all  his  feudal  rights,  includ- 
ing the  acknowledgment  of  faith,  homage,  and 
the  planting  of  a  May  pole  each  year. 

There  was  great  commotion  in  the  little  colony 
on  tliat  bright  ^ay  morning  in  1707.  The  very 
atmosphere  seemed  pregnant  with  excitement,  for 
so  does  a  gala  day  drape  itself  around  every  thing, 
clothe  all  in  its  vague  fancies,  and  unconsciously 
communicate  to  us  more  or  less  of  its  color.  We 
wear  its  cockade  and  favor  in  our  dress  and 
humor. 

In  front  of  the  Seigneur  de  Cadillac' s  manor  a 
great  crowd  had  assembled,  and  from  the  eager 
expectancy  written  on  every  face,  it  was  evident 
that  some  unusual  event  of  interest  was  to  take 
place.  Slowly  the  form  of  Monsieur  Fafard,  the 
interpreter,  was  seen  approaching  with  a  stately, 
dignified  step,  each  movement  measured  by  the 
importance  of  the  act  of  which  he  was  to  play 
the  part  of  chief  actor.  The  French  understand 
perfectly  that  delicate  art  of  investing  even  a  tri- 
lling circumstance  with  an  entourage  of  interest 
and  display  which  gratifies  their  national  vanity 
and  love  of  glory. 

Monsieur  Fafard  knocked  at  the  Seigneur  Cad- 
illac's door,  which  v/as  opened  by  the  major  domo. 
He  inquired  for  Monsieur  la  Mothe  Cadillac,  who 
immediately  stepped  forth  arrayed  in  his  blue 


.■  ,^.. 


■m 


4\ 
'1 


iii^ 


32 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


uniform  and  cavalier  hat  with  white  plumes. 
Monsieur  Fafard  uncovered  his  head  and  falling 
on  his  knees  rendered  fealty  in  the  following 
manner :  ' '  Monsieur  du  Detroit,  Monsieur  du 
Detioit,  Monsieur  du  Detroit,  I  bring  you  faitli 
and  homage  which  I  am  bound  to  pay  you  on 
account  of  my  hef  of  De  Lorme,  which  I  hold  as 
a  man  of  faith,  of  your  Seigniory  of  Detroit, 
declaring  that  I  offer  to  pay  my  seignorial  and 
feudal  djties  in  their  season,  and  demanr'ing  of 
you  to  accept  me  in  faith  and  homage  as  afore- 
said." As  he  saluted  la  Mothe  and  turned  away, 
Francois  Bosseron  and  others  who  had  been 
granted  fiefs  offered  their  homage  in  turn. 

Cadillac' s  house  stood  on  the  line  of  the  pres- 
ent Jefferson  Avenue  before  it  had  been  sloped 
down  to  the  Chemin  du  Rond.*  A  spacious  "gal- 
lerie' '  adorned  the  front  of  the  manor  overlooking 
the  smooth  cut  lawn  and  majestic  river.  A  hole 
had  been  dug  in  the  center  of  the  lawn,  and  a  tall, 
stately  pole  lay  ready  for  raising.  The  branches 
had  been  trimmed  off,  except  a  little  clump  at  the 
top  called  "  the  bouquet."  And  to  this  had  been 
nailed  a  parti-colored  pole,  from  which  the  royal 
flag  with  the  fair  Fleur  de  Lis  of  France  floated. 
Smooth  and  white  was  the  pole  and  to  its  sides 


*Near  the  old  Campau  homestead. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


33 


blocks  were  nailed  to  allow  a  person  to  ascend. 
The  firing  of  a  gun  was  the  signal  to  begin  the 
ceremony.  The  Seigneur  Cadillac  had  seated  him- 
self on  the  "gallerie,"  surrounded  by  his  wife, 
children  and  officers.  A  delegation  from  the  hab- 
itants approached  and  bowing  low  asked  him  per- 
mission to  plant  the  May  pole  in  front  of  his  house. 
The  request  was  graciously  acceded  to  and  Father 
Deniau  knelt  and  offered  up  a  prayer  that  the 
festivities  might  pass  without  accident.  The  pole 
impelled  by  strong,  sinewy  arms  slowly  rose,  while 
the  voyageurs  broke  out  in  their  wild  and  inspired 
song,  "Vive  la  Canadienne  et  ses  jolis  yeux 
doux."^ 

The  Seigneur  de  la  Mothe  Cadillac  then  ad- 
vanced hat  in  hand  and  smilingly  accepted  the 
pole,  and  asked  all  to  join  him  in  watering  it  that 
it  might  flourish.  A  cask  of  eau  de  vie  was  tapped; 
cups  and  flasks  of  every  design  and  shape  were 
passed  around,  and  Cadillac  raised  his  silver  gob- 
let and  pledged  the  King  and  the  health  of  all 
present.     An  agile  youth  ascended  the  pole  and 


w  5  ^ 


fi 


*The  favorite  boat  songs  of  the  voyagewrs  were  "La  Jolie 
Canadienne,"  and  "A  la  Claire  Fontaine."  Mr,  Marinierin  his 
work,  "The Songs  of  the  North "  ("  Chants  du  Nord "),  publishes 
nearly  line  for  line  these  songs  as  belonging  to  his  country,  Franche 
Comte. 

3 


5  :! 


:       \ 


5        '->' 


34 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


i'i 


III 'I 


llillli 


m\ 


shouted,  "  Vive  le  Roi,  Vive  le  Seigneur  Cadillac 
du  Detroit !  "    Then  all  caught  the  refrain  : 

"  Grand  Dieu  sauve  le  Roi, 
Grand  Dieu  venge  le  Roi, 

Vive  le  Roi  ! 
Que  toujours  glorieux, 
Lou'«<  Virtorieux, 
Vo'  nnemis, 

jOurs  souniis, 
Vive  le  Roi !  "  * 

The  air  was  d  with  cheers,  the  drums  rolled, 
the  trumi)ets  sounded,  and  the  guns  completed 
the  crescendo  of  acclamations.  The  pole  was 
then  ready  to  be  blackened.  This  was  douv  by 
Cadillac  taking  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  only, 
and  firing  at  the  pole.  Then  Madame  and  Antoine, 
Jr.,  a  cadet  of  fifteen,  took  their  turn,  followed 
by  the  members  of  the  family  and  officers,  and 
finally  each  of  the  habitants  until  the  clean  i^ole 
was  blackened  its  whole  length.  It  was  usually 
left  standing  several  months,  to  remove  it  being 
considered  unlucky.  Tables  were  spread  under 
the  shade  of  the  trees,  and  refreshments  in  abun- 
dance served  to  all. 

Then  followed  "  La  dance  ronde  "  on  the  green 
sward.  Cadillac  gazed  musingly  on  the  pretty 
scene  before  him.     The  picturesque  dress  of  the 

*Vive  le  Roi.  Handel  appropriated  this  song  for  the  House  of 
Hanover.  It  was  sung  by  the  girls  of  Saint  Cyr  before  Louis, 
1652. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


85 


habitants  and  voyageurs,  clad  in  their  blue  tunics 
and  elk  skin  trousers,  (whose  seams  were  adorned 
witli  yellow  fringe,)  their  buckskin  moccasins 
ornamented  with  beads,  their  scarlet  sashes,  in 
wliich  were  kept  the  hunting  knife  in  its  silver 
case,  blended  with  the  soldiers'  dress  of  blue,  with 
its  white  facing.  The  officers  wore  gay  uni- 
forms and  cavalier  hats,  with  the  showy  ostrich 
feather,  their  hair  hanging  in  long  powdered 
queues  tied  with  ribbon.  The  ladies,  in  their 
coquettish  costumes,  dashed  with  blight  ribbons, 
resembled  birds  of  paradise  as  they  swayed  to 
the  graceful  movements  of  the  dance.  Each  lady' s 
head  was  surmounted  with  a  gay  "fontange"  or 
top-knot.  Tt  was  a  gay,  light-hearted  community, 
with  few  taxes  to  pay,  simple  tastes  to  gratify, 
friendly  with  the  neighboring  Indians.  Peace, 
contentment  and  quiet  happiness  seemed  to  reign 
ovei'  this  little  Arcadia. 

So  thought  Cadillac  as  at  twilight,  after  the 
people  had  dispersed,  he  strolled  with  his  wife  in 
the  King's  Garden.*  Human  nature  grows  more 
communicative  at  this  hour,  thoughts  which  find 
no  utterance  in  the  broad  light  of  day  now  glide 
forth  from  the  heart.     He  told  her  that  his  dreams 

*  The  King's  Garden  was  between  Jefferson  avenue  and  Wood- 
bridge  street,  near  the  site  of  the  present  Chamber  of  Commerce. 


i  ''n 

f 


36 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


\'r.\ 


of  ambition  were  about  to  be  realized,  notwith- 
standing^ the  obstacles  of  his  enemies.  His  colony 
was  prosperous  and  his  children  would  inherit  a 
princely  portion  ;  that  his  name  would  become 
historic  and  illustrious.  Thus  were  they  talking 
when  twvy  weary  revellers  homeward  bound  passed 
so  near  them  that  fragments  of  their  conversation 
fell  on  their  ears.  "Yes,"  said  Jean  Baptiste, 
"our  Seigneur  and  the  Bos  Blanc''^'  carry  them- 
selves very  high,  with  their  silver  plate  and  line 
clothing,  wdiilst  we  poor  habitants  must  pay 
double  for  everything,  even  our  petit  coup  'd  eau 
de  vie  ;"  expressing  a  little  of  the  communistic 
sentiments  of  the  present  time. 

"Things  cannot  run  very  long  thus,"  answered 
his  companion.  ' '  My  wife  saw  a  few  days  ago 
'le  petit  homme  Rouge'  and — "  The  rest  was 
lost  as  the  speakers  disappeared.  Cadillac's 
wife  grasped  her  husband's  hand  convulsively 
and  said  :  ' '  Did  you  not  hear  ?  '  Le  petit  homme 
Rouge '  is  the  dreaded  '  Nain  Rouge.'  " 

"  What  of  that? "  said  Cadillac. 

"  '  Beware  of  the  Nain  Rouge '  was  what  that 


*Dosblanc.  Literally  "  White  backs. "  The  officers  powdered 
their  wigs,  and  the  powder  falling  on  their  coats  whitened  the 
backs.  Many  of  the  habitants  encased  their  queues  in  eelskin  to 
prevent  the  powder  from  ruining  their  dress. 


'Ill  ii.iiiii ;; 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


37 


proplietess  told  you  ;  when  he  should  come  mis- 
fortune was  nigh." 

"  Ball !  "  l;iu<^hed  Cadillac,  "have  you  not  for- 
gotten that  nonsense  of  a  silly  old  fortune-teller  ? 
Let  us  return  home." 

Annoyed  himself  at  the  remembrance,  and 
doubly  so  at  his  wife  for  unconsciously  giving 
utterance  to  his  vague  uneasiness,  they  proceeded 
in  silence. 

Suddenly  across  their  path,  trotting  along  the 
beach,  advanced  the  uncouth  figure  of  a  dwarf, 
very  red  in  the  face,  with  a  bright,  glistening  eye ; 
instead  of  burning  it  froze,  instead  of  possessing 
depth  emitted  a  cold  gleam  like  the  reflection  from 
a  polished  surface,  bewildering  and  dazzling  all 
who  came  within  its  focus.  A  grinning  mouth 
displaying  sharp,  pointed  teeth,  completed  this 
strange  face. 

"It  is  the  Nain  Rouge,"  whispered  Cadillac's 
wife. 

Before  she  had  time  to  say  more,  Cadillac's  ill- 
nature  had  vented  itself  in  striking  the  object 
with  a  cane  he  held  in  his  hand,  saying  : 

"Get  out  of  my  way,  you  red  imp  !  " 

A  fiendish,  mocking  laugh  pierced  the  still 
night  air  as  the  monster  vanished. 

You  have  offended  him, ' '  said  Madame.  ' '  Your 


u 


impetuosity  will  bring  you  and  yours  to  ruin. 


88 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


You  were  told  to  coax  liini— to  beware  of  annoying 
this  demon  -and  in  your  unf^overnable  temper  you 
do  just  otherwise.  Misfortune  will  soon  be  our  por- 
tion." 

Cadillac  sliortly  afterward  visited  Montreal, 
was  arrested  through  the  inti-igues  of  his  enemies, 
and  was  compelled  to  sell  his  seigniory  in  Detroit 
to  pay  for  his  trial.  He  was  removed  to  Louisiana 
as  (rovernor,  but  died  at  Castle  Sarasin,  in  France. 
His  children  never  inherited  an  acre  of  his  vast 
estates.  His  colony  for  the  next  hundred  years 
was  the  scene  of  strife,  war  and  massacre.  Its 
flag  changed  five  times  ;  under  that  of  the  Repub- 
lic it  reached  that  glorious  prosperity  which  the 
fortune-teller  had  predicted. 

The  Nain  Rouge  in  the  mystic  past  was  consid- 
ered the  banshee  or  "Demon  of  the  City  of  the 
Straits,"  and  whenever  he  appeared  it  was  a  sure 
sign  of  impending  evil.  The  night  before  Dal- 
zelFs  ill-fated  attack  at  Bloody  Run,  he  was  seen 
running  along  the  shore.  And  in  I8O0,  when  the 
city  was  destroyed  by  fire,  many  an  old  habitant 
thought  that  they  caught  a  glimpse  of  his  mali- 
cious face  as  he  darted  through  the  burning  build- 
ings. On  a  foggy  morning  before  Hull' s  cow^ardly 
surrender  of  Detroit,  he  was  seen  ;  but  since  then 
he  has  never  reappeared,  having,  it  is  to  be  hoped, 
accomplished  his  mission.    But  the  tradition  still 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


39 


lingers  among  the  old  habirants  that  should  mis- 
fortune ever  threaten  the  bonnie  City  of  the  Straits, 
the  Nain  Rouge  will  again  appear  to  give  the  sig- 
nal of  warning. 


in  ill" 


VI 


THE  PHANTOM  PRIEST. 


■iii'iiiijj 

'  Mill  r 
III 


[ 

■  1 
1 

L 

|l 

I- 

A  Legrend  of  Sainte  Anne's  Church. 

E NEATH  the  sunny  skies  of 
Italy,  on  the  banks  of  the  Arno, 
not  far  from  "Florence  the 
Beautiful,"  the  guide  points  to 
an  old  monastery  as  the  last 
relic  of  an  order  now  almost  extinct,  the  Recollets. 
With  the  deep  feeling  of  interest  which  the  slight- 
est relation  with  home  awakens  in  a  foreign 
land,  we  turn  with  kindling  eyes  and  tender 
emotions  surging  through  our  hearts,  to  gaze  rev- 
erently upon  the  building  as  on  the  face  of  an 
aged  friend.  For  from  beneath  that  massive 
archway  came  forth  a  brave,  courageous  band, 
who  iirst  left  the  impress  of  their  footsteps  on  the 


H 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


41 


''  A 


virgin  soil  of  our  fair  city.  Within  those  gloomy 
walls  they  were  trained  by  an  austere  and  a.^cetic 
rule  to  meet  those  dangers  and  hardships  insepa- 
rable from  the  explorations  of  a  new  country;  and 
their  heroic  and  almost  supernatural  efforts  to 
convert  the  savage,  have  challenged  the  admira- 
tion of  every  age.  Wherever  the  lily  of  France 
unfurled  itself  to  the  new  breezes  of  America,  the 
cross  became  its  flag- staff,  and  the  rude  birchen 
chapel  the  mile-stone  to  record  the  missionaries' 
progress. 

In  1670  there  resided  in  Florence  an  ancient 
family  of  wealth  and  distinction  named  Del  Halle. 
Its  heir  and  last  representative  belonged  to  the 
*' jeunesse  doree  "  of  the  day.  He  blended  in  his 
character  that  happy  union  of  manly  qualities 
which  satisfied  his  haughty  father's  ambition, 
with  those  gentler  accomplishments  which  made 
him  the  idol  of  his  mother's  heart.  Early  be- 
trothed to  Adelina,  the  daughter  of  a  princely 
house,  to  whom  he  was  endeared  by  the  sweetest 
links  of  childhood,  their  future  promised  to  be  as 
unclouded  as  the  sunny  sky  of  their  native  land. 
But,  like  the  simoon  which  blackens  and  lays  low 
all  over  which  it  passes,  the  fell  destroyer,  "the 
black  death"  of  the  fourteenth  centurj%  again 
visited  Florence,  converting  its  palaces  into  char- 
nel  houses,  its  laughter  into  wails,  its  music  into 


Mm-y 


tHiiiiiiiiiitii 


ii 


Ill 


'\  :,|''J.Jii: 


^liiiif" 


:|:  ;i||liiii!ll 


I'Jil 


42 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


funeral  dirges,  leaving  mourning  and  desolation 
hanging  like  a  pall  over  the  doomed  city. 

One  morning  young  Del  Halle  awoke  to  find  no 
response  to  his  faint  call  of  father  or  mother,  no 
anxious,  loving  bride  to  catch  the  hrst  dawn  of 
returning  consciousness.      All  had  been  swept 
away  by  the  dreadful  scourge,  and  he  sat  alone  in 
his  deserted  halls,  with  memory  and  grief  as  his 
companions.     The    recollections    of   other  days 
with  their   bright  pictures  and  melodies  would 
come  surging  up  with  their  mocking  delusions. 
But  ever  and  anon  the  holy  face  of  an  aged  Recol- 
let  monk,  at  whose  knee  he  had  listened  in  early 
boyhood  to  the  marvelous  tales  of  the  mission- 
aries of  his  order  in  the  wilds  of  Canada,  came 
like  refreshing  dew  to  cool  his  parched   soul. 
A  few  weeks  afterward  he  knocked  for  admit- 
tance at  the  monastery  gate,  willingly  leaving 
behind  the  pleasures,  the  refinements,  and  the 
brilliant  prospects  so  alluring  to  his  years.     He 
exchanged  the  costly  robes  of  the  Florentine  noble 
for  the  serge ;  the  sword  for   the  breviary,  and 
thus  at  the  early  age  of  twenty  did  the  heir  of  the 
Del  Halle  become  the  humble  Frere  Constantin. 
Ten  years  later  he  was  sent  to  France  and  from 
thence  sailed  to  Montreal.     It  was  in  Montreal  he 
met  La  Mothe  Cadillac,  a  young  French  officer, 
who  was  enthusiastic  over  a  scheme  of  founding 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 

a  colony  ai  the  beautiful  "Detroit  du  Lac  Erie." 
The  frank,  easy  manners  of  the  officer,  his  keen 
intellect  and  his  undaunted  energy  won  the  affec- 
tion of  Frere  Constantin,  who  entered  with  all 
ardor  into  the  project  of  his  friend. 

Owing  to  various  political  causes,  the  necessary 
permission  and  grants  were  slow  in  coming,  but 
Cadillac' s  patience  and  perseverance  were  at  last 
rewarded,  and  on  the  5th  of  June,  1701,  with  his 
little  band  of  fifty  soldiers  and  fifty  Canadians, 
with  M.  de  Tonty  as  captain,  Messrs.  Dugue  and 
de  Chacornacle  as  lieutenants,  he  sailed  from  Mon- 
treal. Frere  Constantin  Del  Halle  accompanied  the 
troops  as  chaplain,  with  Father  Vaillant,  a  Jesuit, 
who  was  going  as  missionary  to  the  different  tribes. 
They  arrived  at  Detroit  July  24,  1701.  Shortly 
afterwards  the  tinkling  sounds  of  the  bell  sum- 
moned the  garrison  to  early  mass  and  told  that 
the  chaplain  had  already  begun  his  work.  By  tli*^ 
simplicity  of  his  manners,  the  uniform  sweetness 
of  his  disposition  and  his  austere  life,  he  gained 
the  respect  and  affection  of  all.  The  deep  shade 
of  melancholy  whicli  tinged  his  features  told  the 
unfortunate  that  here  was  one  who  had  known 
sorrow,  and  who  would  lend  a  sympathetic  ear  to 
the  tale  of  their  misfortunes  and  give  the  balm  of 
comforting  words  to  their  bruised  hearts.  The 
little  children  drawn  by  the  sympathetic  instincts 


t.:  r 


15: 


■fk 


!«       !■ 


il 


IW0 

in 


44 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


of  childhood  would  nestle  their  heads  against  him 
and  shyly  put  their  tiny  hands  in  that  of  "  le  bon 
Frere.  " 

Among  the  officers  who  were  stationed  at  Fort 
Fontchartrain  (as  Cadillac  had  called  his  post,  in 
honor  of  Jerome  Phelyppeaux,  Count  Fontchar- 
train), was  Etienne  Veron  de  Grrandmensil,  keeper 
of  the  King' s  storehouse,  who  had  become  enam- 
ored with  the  dusky  daughter  of  a  Fottawatomie 
chief.  This  tribe,  though  friendly  to  the  French, 
had  resisted  every  effort  to  convert  them  to  Chris- 
tianity. A  prophet  of  their  nation  had  foretold 
that  as  soon  as  they  should  desert  their  Manitou 
for  that  of  the  white  man,  their  lands  would  pass 
away,  their  wigwams  be  burnt,  and  their  tribe 
scattered.  Young  de  Veron,  unable  to  overcome 
the  obstinate  prejudice  of  the  old  chief  against 
Christianity,  in  the  ardor  of  youth  and  passion, 
thought  of  allying  himself  to  his  Indian  sweet- 
heart by  the  Indian  rights  and  betaking  himself 
to  the  lodges  of  the  Pottawatomies.  Frere  Con- 
stantin  remonstrated  with  de  Veron,  who  belonged 
to  a  noble  family  of  Quebec,  spoke  of  his  father's 
hopes  in  him,  his  mother's  love  and  of  his  duty 
as  a  soldier  of  France,  told  him  to  be  patient, 
and  the  old  chief  would  relent ;  but  threatened, 
if  he  persisted,  that  he  should  incur  the  severest 
penalty  of  the  church — excommunication.     The 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


45 


Indian  maiden,  worried  by  her  father' s  command 
to  wed  a  warrior  of  her  nation,  and  stung  by  the 
apparent  indifference  of  her  lover,  determined  to 
put  an  end  to  her  sorrow.  Stealing  away  from  her 
wigwam  one  stormy  night  under  the  kindly  pro- 
tection of  the  darkness,  she  plunged  into  the  tur- 
bulent waters.  An  agonizing  cry  brought  succour 
to  the  shores  but  she  sank  away  before  aid  could 
reach  her  and  a  few  days  later  her  body  was  found 
floating  in  the  Detroit. 

Shortly  after  Prere  Constantin  was  called  tem- 
porarily away  to  another  mission,  and  as  days 
passed  and  he  still  lingered,  although  the  coureurs 
des  bois  had  reported  his  leaving  the  mission 
before  them,  Cadillac  became  uneasy;  for  time  and 
the  constant  dangers  and  perils  of  those  days 
only  served  to  cement  the  links  of  a  friendship  so 
happily  begun  years  before  in  Montreal.  It  was 
noticed  that  a  cloud  rested  on  Cadillac's  brow 
which  the  tender  solicitation  of  his  wife,  the  fair 
Therese  Guyon,  could  not  chase  away  nor  the 
infantile  graces  of  his  favorite  child,  the  little 
Therese,  the  pet  of  the  colony — as  she  was  the 
first  born  and  baptized  in  the  fort — soothe  by  her 
caresses.  Strange  stories  were  whispered  by  the 
Indians  to  the  soldiers,  of  a  haunted  spot  on  the 
Savoyard,* 

*A  beautiful  stream  which  meaudered  above  the  present  Russell 


H 


I  Vtl 


I 


If 


I.];. 


46 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


These  reaching  Cadillac's  ear  seemed  to  lend  a 
color  to  his  own  sad  forebodings  of  the  fate  of 
his  friend.  It  was  said  that  at  dawn  every  morn- 
ing faint  sounds  of  a  bell  might  be  heard,  and 
different  parts  of  the  mass  distinctly  made  out, 
and  that  a  voice,  as  mournfully  sweet  as  if  it  had 
its  source  in  unshed  tears,  would  float  on  the  mid- 
night air  chanting  in  Latin  the  Miserere. 

It  was  noticed  that  for  some  time  Churlioa,  the 
Pottawatomie  chief,  sat  before  his  wigwam,  occa- 
sionally muttering  to  himself,  then  drawing  his 
blanket  over  his  head  would  vanish  for  days  in 
the  forest.  The  medicine  men  sadly  shook  their 
heads,  and  pointed  significantly  to  their  fore- 
heads, saying  the  great  Churlioa  was  bewitched. 

One  evening^n  Indian  presented  himself  at  the 
gate  of  the  fort  and  asked  to  see  Cadillac.  Ad- 
mitted to  the  commandant's  presence,  he  stated 
that  Churlioa  had  sent  for  the  chief  of  the  white 
men ;  that  when  the  young  men  returned  from 
hunting  that  day  they  had  found  their  great 
chief  lying  as  one  dead  in  the  forest.  Cadillac 
followed  his  guide  and  soon  stood  by  the  dying 
warrior.  He  confessed  having  murdered  Frere 
Constantin  to  revenge  himself  for  his  daughter's 
death.     He  feared  to  take  his  scalp  as  it  might 

street,   crossed  Congress  and  Larned  streets  and  emptied  into  the 
Detroit  near  the  Michigan  Central  Depot. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


47 


betray  him,  and  bring  upon  his  tribe  the  vengeance 
of  the  French.  He  nad  known  no  peace  since, 
for  the  spirit  of  the  priest  seemed  to  haunt  him  in 
the  moaning  reeds.  He  heard  his  voice  in  tlie 
rustling  leaves,  and  a  strange  fascination  led  his 
footsteps  to  the  spot  where  the  murder  occurred. 
That  the  previous  night  he  wandered  there,  the 
bright  moon  illuminated  the  forest  and  he  could 
see  as  in  the  daylight,  that  the  tall  form  of  his 
victim  stood  in  his  path,  and  with  outstretched 
arms  besought  him  to  have  his  bones  lie  in  conse- 
crated ground — that  until  then  the  Indian  wx)uld 
be  haunted — and  with  the  soLud  of  rushing  waters 
in  his  ears  the  chief  knew  no  more  until  he  awoke 
in  his  wigwam  and  sent  for  Caiillac. 

The  sad  news  was  soon  kn(  wn  in  the  colony, 
and  Cadillac  went  to  the  sp(tt  indicated  by  the 
indian.  In  the  hollow  of  a  tree,  covered  by  leaves, 
they  found  the  body  of  Frere  Constantin.  They 
placed  it  on  a  litter  formed  of  the  fragrant  boughs 
of  the  spruce.  Father  de  la  Marche  came  to  meet 
the  body,  which  was  borne  by  the  officers  of  the 
Fort  followed  by  the  weeping  people.  Tenderly 
they  laid  it  to  rest  in  the  consecrated  earth  as  he 
had  so  earnestly  desired.  The  last  of  a  princely 
race  rested  in  the  forest  of  a  new  world.  No 
stately  mausoleum  received  his  remains ;  no  pom- 
pous tablet  told  his  lineage,  or  recorded  his  deeds. 


48 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


The  pines  chanted  his  requiem,  the  tears  of  his- 
flock  were  his  epitaph,  and  the  innocent  hands  of 
children  strewed  his  grave  with  the  wild  flowers 
of  the  woods. 

In  1724,  when  the  new  Ste.  Anne's  Church  was 
built,  Alphonse  de  Tonty  had  the  remains  removed 
from  the  humble  grave  and  placed  in  a  vault 
which  he  had  himself  prepared  beneath  the  altar, 
in  the  presence  of  all  the  people  of  the  colony,  to 
whom  Father  Bonaventure  related  the  edifying 
life  and  death  of  the  saintly  priest,  Frere  Con- 
stantin  del  Halle. 


ii'.ft 


■H 


■,*l 


111 


FRANCOIS  AND  BARBE. 


A  Leerend  of  the  Habitants. 


TT  WAS  in  the  early  days  of  the  colony  that 
Barbe  Loisel  sat  alone  with  her  little  children 
^^  in  the  rude  settler' s  cabin  on  the  banks  of  the 
Detroit.  Without  raged  the  fierce  winter' s  blast. 
In  the  huge  fireplace  the  flames  danced  merrily 
above  the  hickory  logs,  and  the  iron  crane  held 
the  steaming  pot-au-feu.  She  was  waiting  for  her 
husband's  return  from  a  distant  expedition, 
whither  he  had  been  sent  by  de  la  Forest,  Com- 
mandant of  Fort  Pontchartrain.  It  was  Francois 
Fafard,  dit  Delorme,  a  noted  interpreter.  Theirs 
had  been  among  the  first  marriages  rec'orded  in 
the  register  of  the  little  church  of  Ste.  Anne,  and 
their  signatures,  with  their  quaint  characters,  are 


• 


, 


■^    t:''i 


60 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


still  to  be  seen  to-day.  She  had  been  the  widow 
of  Francois  Gautier,  Sieur  de  la  Vallee  Rancoe,  a 
French  officer  of  high  rank,  who  was  killed  in 
1710.  Her  youth,  beauty  and  unfortunate  condi- 
tion appealed  to  the  manly  heart  of  Delomie,  who 
won  her,  and  his  strong  arm  shielded  her  from 
many  dangers  inseparable  from  a  frontier  life. 
To-night  he  had  promised  to  return,  and  she 
knew  it  could  only  be  an  insurmountable  obstacle 
that  could  cause  him  to  break  his  word. 

The  blood-curdling  howling  of  wolves  were  dole- 
ful symphonies  to  ears  strained  to  catch  the  first 
sound  of  familiar  footsteps.  At  each  weird  note 
of  the  storm  the  little  ones  would  nestle  closer 
to  the  mother,  drawing  in  security  even  from  the 
touch  of  her  garment  such  is  the  wonderful 
witchery  of  maternal  affection.  To  quiet  them 
and  to  lull  the  beating  of  her  own  anxious  heart, 
she  told  them  many  Indian  legends  of  the  past. 

Of  the  great  rivalry  which  once  existed  between 
the  east  and  west  wind.  How  the  east  wind,  being 
victorious,  prevailed  for  seven  years,  until  the 
waters  of  the  rivers  and  lakes  had  risen  to 
such  a  height  as  to  threaten  inundation  to  the 
lodges  and  corn-fields  of  the  tribes  living  on  the 
banks,  when  the  Great  Spirit,  seeing  the  misery 
of  his  children,  and  listening  to  their  petitions, 
recalled  the  west  wind  from  behind  the  moun- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


51 


tains  whither  it  had  been  driven,  and  caused  it 
to  reign  for  seven  years,  thus  forcing  back  the 
waters  into  their  original  channel.  Many  to-day 
notice  the  fact  relative  to  the  waters  of  the  De- 
troit, and  we  find  a  memorandum  of  it  in  the  jour- 
nal of  Capt.  Morris,  of  her  Majesty's  Eighteenth 
Infantry,  who  visited  Detroit  in  1764 :  "That  the 
waters  of  these  lakes  rise  for  seven  years  and  fall 
for  seven  years ;  in  fact  there  is  a  seven  years' 
tide ;  and  Gen.  Bradstreet  whilst  encamped  on 
the  shores  of  Lake  Erie,  lost  a  great  many  boats 
and  a  large  quantity  of  provisions  and  baggage 
by  a  sudden  washing  of  the  waves  against  the 
shore.  What  struck  him  as  a  strange  phenome- 
non was  that  during  the  heaviest  part  of  these 
swells  no  wind  was  perceptible,  a  fact  he  fully 
illustrated  by  placing  soldiers  along  the  banks 
with  lighted  candles,  not  one  going  out."* 

Then  the  good  Barbe  told  them  how  severely 
the  Great  Manitou  had  punished  disobedient 
children  in  days  gone  by.  He  had  condemned 
them  to  flit  about  in  a  circumscribed  space  as 


*Considerable  doubt  still  exists  as  to  the  cause  of  the  periodic 
rise  and  fall.  The  floating  ice  from  Lake  Huron  one  spring  so 
blocked  up  the  channel  of  the  Ste.  Claire  River  that  Lake  Ste. 
Claire  and  the  Detroit  River  were  almost  drained.  The  water 
had  receded  from  the  shore  of  Grosse  Pointe  nearly  four  mJes, 
A  similar  freak  of  nature  occurred  in  1818,  In  winter  the  ice 
seems  to  have  some  effect. 


-H-f 


I'- 


r 


^ 


N 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


I'lliiiiilkiiiu'iiiil 


little  winged  insects  and  guarded  by  a  stern  old 
Maniton.  That  one  day  a  little  brother  of  these 
naughty  children  had  resolved  to  go  in  search  of 
them.  He  started  out  bravely,  walked  all  day, 
and  towards  night  becoming  exhausted,  fell 
asleep  beneath  the  leaves  of  the  aspen  tree.  The 
spirit  which  is  believed  to  inhabit  it  appeared  to 
him  and  said :  "  Fallow  me  and  I  will  lead  you  to 
your  brothers  and  sisters."  He  awoke  and  found 
himself  going  up  higher  and  higher  until  he 
reached  cloud  land.  His  guide  then  gave  him  a 
bow  with  a  quiver  full  of  arrows,  and  said : 
"Always  shoot  towards  the  north;  keep  one 
arrow  to  return  with  ;  as  soon  as  you  reach  water 
throw  some  on  your  brothers  and  sisters  and  they 
will  return  to  their  natural  shape,  and  the  evil 
spirit  will  never  be  able  to  molest  them  again." 
At  each  flight  of  a  magic  arrow  a  long,  solitary 
streak  of  lightning  appeared  like  a  golden  rent  in 
the  sky,  through  which  the  child  could  catch 
glimpses  of  the  beauties  hidden  there.  At  last 
he  saw  where  his  brothers  and  sisters  were  confined 
and,  aiming  straight,  soon  opened  the  door  to  the 
imprisoned  ones,  who  came  through  the  gcJden 
crevice  in  the  form  of  myriads  of  little  insects 
which  flitted  around  him  joyfully.  During  his 
delight  he  forgot  the  injunction  of  the  fairy  and 
sent  his  arrow  away  from  the  north,  when  sud- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


53 


denly  a  distant  sound  like  thunder  was  heard  and 
a  fenrfiil  voice  full  of  majesty  and  passion,  said: 
''Presumptions  one,  for  having  dared  to  invade 
the  kingdom  of  the  Manitou,  you  shall  be  made 
an  example  to  deter  others  from  such  profane 
ambition."  He  was  turned  into  the  heat  light- 
ning which  is  always  seen  on  the  northern  skies 
on  summer  evenings.  And  the  little  insects,  i)ar- 
alyzed  by  that  dreadful  voice,  perished  in  one 
night.  How  frequently  on  a  summer's  night  we 
see  countless  numbers  of  these  insects,  the  famil- 
iar "June  flies"  of  the  Detroit,  hanging  to  the 
lamp-posts,  apparently  dazed  from  some  unknown 
cause,  and  strewing  the  sidewalks  to  be  crushed 
under  foot.  The  Indian  mother  never  whips  her 
child,  but  always  throws  cold  water  in  its  face, 
thus  punishing  it  and  preventing  its  being  changed 
into  an  insect  or  bug. 

In  this  way  the  pioneer's  wife  was  wont  to  hush 
her  little  ones  to  sleep;  the  Indian  legends  were 
their  lullabys.  It  was  growing  late,  and  still  De- 
lorme  returned  not.  Barbe  shaded  her  eyes  and 
gazed  out  into  the  night, — darkness  everywhere; 
the  voices  of  the  storm  were  whispering  their 
doleful  cadences,  but  it  seemed  as  if  above  these 
she  heard  the  loved  one  calling  her.  Thinking 
her  imagination  had  been  overwrought  by  the  sto- 
ries she  had  related,  she  closed  the  door.     But  an 


I 


i  ; 


■)■■ 


■.V  m 


In      M' 


54 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Ill 


t-i;i 


lllil-' 


impulse  stronger  than  herself  bade  her  open  it 
again  and  distinctly  came  the  words,  in  a  mourn- 
fully sweet  voice,  "Barbe,  come  to  my  assist- 
ance!" (Barbe  viens  a  mon  secours.)  The  dogs 
broke  out  in  a  despon  ding  wail,  as  if  they  felt  the 
passage  of  some  unseen  phantom. 

She  no  longer  hesitated,  the  woman's  sublime 
unselfishness  conquered  the  natural  timidity  of 
her  sex.  Taking  the  musket  from  the  wall,  throw- 
ing the  powder  horn  and  bullet  bag  over  her 
shoulder,  she  boldly  stepped  out  into  the  Thebaid 
darkness.  Bravely  she  went  on,  though  fancy 
sketched  everywhere  frightful  spectres  in  the  trees, 
imagination  draped  phantoms  in  the  swaying 
branches,  to  which  fear  lent  the  finishing  touches. 
The  howling  of  the  wolves  gave  voice  to  the  deso- 
lation of  the  scene.  There  are  times  when  nature, 
weary  of  her  muteness,  seems  to  lend  tongues  to 
stones,  voices  to  the  reeds  and  to  the  winds,  lan- 
guage to  the  articulate  lamentations  of  the  brute 
creation.  That  voice  which  ever  and  anon  arose 
flute-like  through  the  frightful  orchestral  recital 
of  nature's  woes  was  her  compass.  The  howling 
sobs  of  the  dogs,  so  allied  to  terror  of  the  super- 
natural, warned  her  that  she  had  neared  her  des- 
tination. She  fired  her  musket  upward,  and  by 
the  Hash  saw  that  a  giant  tree  had  been  felled  by 
the  strong  arm  of  the  tempest.      Moans  issued 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


55 


from  near,  and  she  soon  learned  that  her  husband 
lay  beneath  it.  Powerless  alone,  she  Hew  to  the 
fort,  returning  shortly  with  several  brave  sol- 
diers who  extricated  Delorme  from  his  perilous 
position.  He  was  tenderly  carried  to  his  home 
and  his  injuries  examined  and  fortunately  pro- 
nounced not  fatal.  His  companion  was  dead,  his 
skull  having  been  fractured.  They  asked  how  it 
was  that  his  voice  had  reached  Barbe.  He  could 
not  explain  save  that  he  had  implored  the  spirit 
of  his  friend  to  send  Barbe  to  him,  as  it  woiild 
pass  near  her  home,  only  a  short  distance  away. 
And  the  strong  bond  of  friendship  which  even 
death  could  not  sever,  sent  its  message  to  Barbe 
as  it  glided  towards  the  spirit  land. 


i 


J 


Illi^i' 


VIII 


THE  DEVIL'S  GRIST. 


A  Leg-end  of  Wind  Mill  Point. 

ORT  Pontchartrain  from  its  ad- 
vantageous position  as  key  to 
the  Upper  Lakes,  was  coveted 
by  the  English,  who  finding- 
all  their  efforts  futile  whilst  so 
jealously  guarded  by  France, 
determined  to  wait  until  the 
rigid  watchfulness  of  the  garri- 
soxi  should  relax  by  apparent  security.  In  the 
early  spring  of  1712  the  opportunity  seemed  to 
present  itself.  Be  la  Forest,  the  successor  of  La 
Mo  the  Cadillac,  was  detained  in  Quebec  ;  the 
Hurons,  Ottawas  and  other  Indian  allies  of  the 
French  had  not  returned  from  their  winter  hunt- 


i  y 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


57 


ing  in  tlie  gloomy  recesses  of  the  forest,  whilst 
the  fort  was  manned  by  a  small  number  of  men 
with  Du  Buisson  as  its  temporary  commander. 

A  band  of  Macoutins  and  Outagamies*  or  Foxes, 
were  sent  by  the  English,  who  lit  their  camp-fire 
beneath  the  shadow  of  the  fort,  and  pitched  their 
tents  in  seeming  confidence  almost  within  the  range 
of  its  guns.  But  Du  Buisson  was  too  well  versed 
in  the  craftiness  of  the  Indians,  and  too  experienced 
in  their  peculiar  mode  of  warfare  to  be  deceived  by 
this  semblance  of  friendship.  Nor  did  he  neglect 
those  measures  of  prudence  and  forethought  neces- 
sary to  secure  him  against  a.  siege.  Under  pretext  of 
fearing  an  attack  from  the  Miamis,  he  ordered  all 
the  grain  to  be  brought  into  the  fort  from  the  store- 
houses, which  were  built  outside  of  the  fortifica- 
tions, and  caused  the  buildings  to  be  destroyed  as  a 
precautionary  measure  against  fire.  He  sent  word 
to  the  Hurons  and  Pottawatomies  that  he  was  in 
danger,  and  to  hasten  to  his  assistance.  Daily  the 
number  of  the  Foxes  seemed  to  increase,  and  see- 
ing that  their  lawless  acts  met  with  no  punish- 
ment, they  became  more  and  more  insolent.  The 
little  fort  held  bravely  on,  and  though  a  powerful 
and  merciless  foe  lay  crouching  at  its  gates,  watck- 

*Outagiimies.     The  ancient  spelling  for  Ottawa  was  Outaouas; 
Pottawatomie,  Pouteouatamie ;  Iroquois,  Iro(|iiesc. 


* 


ill 


M 


it 


1 . 


:\. 


I 


Iii::i:!f^ 


*'■  'i: 


58 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


llVI'i: 


mm 


iiiiiin  iiijj! 

ft!  I 


!lr 


I  ill  4   ''i 


mm 


ing  its  every  movement,  and  ready  to  pounce  on 
its  prey,  the  garrison  seemed  not  to  notice  it,  and 
went  along  its  daily  routine. 

But  beneath  that  calm  and  indifferent  exterior 
many  were  the  sad  and  weary  hearts  ;  for  all  were 
under  the  influence  of  a  feeling  which  was  calcu- 
lated to  paralyze  the  energies  of  the  boldest,  since, 
unless  succor  should  soon  arrive,  their  loved  lily 
of  France,  crimsoned  by  their  hearts'  blood,  would 
be  replaced  by  the  cross  of  St.  George,  and  their 
reeking  scalps,  hung  at  the  savage' s  belt,  would 
record  the  fearful  history  of  Fort  Pontchartrain. 
The  brave  Du  Buisson  would  try  to  rouse  them 
by  his  example,  relating  the  deeds  of  French  sol- 
diers at  other  far  and  desolate  forts,  whilst  the 
gentle  chaplain,  Deniau,  would  tell  them  to  place 
their  trust  in  God,  to  remember  their  distant 
homes  and  their  loved  ones.  A  new  light  would 
come  to  their  .eyes,  heavy  from  long,  weary  vigils, 
and  new  courage  steal  into  their  hearts  and  nerve 
their  arms  to  deeds  of  daring. 

At  last  Saguina,  Chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and 
Makisabe,  Chief  of  the  Pottawatomies,  with  their 
dusky  warriors  in  all  the  full  regalia  of  war  and 
the  haughty  waving  crests  of  the  eagle  and 
bright  sashes  of  ver million,  lit  up  ihe  landscape, 
while  their  savage  war  whoops  awoke  the  echoes 
of  the  forests,  and  found  a  response  in  the  anxious 


JliHV" 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


59 


hearts  of  the  besieged  garrison.  Branches  of  the 
Saci<,'^  Illinois,  and  even  Osages  and  Missouris, 
had  hastened  to  the  relief  of  the  fort,  borne  along 
by  a  spirit  of  hereditary  warfare  against  the 
restless  Foxes  and  Macoutins,  or  "dwellers  in  the 
prairies,"  who  were  the  roaming  brigands  of  the 
wilds  of  America,  Saguina  presented  himself  at 
the  fort  and  said  to  Du  Buisson  :  "  Father,  behold 
thy  children  compass  thee  round.  We  will,  if 
need  be,  gladly  die  for  our  father,  only  take  care 
of  our  wives  and  our  children,  and  spread  a  little 
grass  over  our  bodies  to  protect  them  against  the 
flies." 

The  Foxes  were  driven  back  and  forced  to  throw 
up  entrenchments  and  were  reduced  to  the  last 
extremity.  Availing  themselves  of  a  stormy  night 
they  crept  away  under  the  friendly  shelter  of  the 
darkness,  and  fortified  themselves  at  Presque  Isle, 
near  Windmill  Point,  eight  miles  distant  from 
Detroit,  and  at  the  entrance  of  Lake  Ste.  Claire. 
When  the  Hurons  and  other  French  allies  discover- 
ed their  flight  they  were  soon  in  pursuit.  For  some 
days  the  Foxes  held  their  fort  but  at  last  fell  be- 
neath the  tomahawk  of  the  besieger,  f  In  vain  Du 
Buisson  endeavored  to  stop  the  fearful  massacre, 
but  his  voice  fell  on  ears  open  only  to  catch  the 


*Proiiounced  Sauks. 

f More  than  a  thousand  Indians  were  killed  in  this  battle. 


iij 


|:i'! 


m 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


a  Li 


\m\ 


wifiSiii.  villi! 

llllllllii:':^ 


agonizing  wails  of  the  victims,  the  sweetest  music  to 
the  Indian  warrior.  The  ground  was  saturated  with 
blood,  and  the  dead  as  numerous  as  the  leaves  of 
the  forest;  the  blood-curdling  yells  of  the  conquer- 
ors, mingled  with  the  groans  of  the  dying,  made 
so  fearful  a  picture  that  the  French  soldiers, 
accustomed  to  war  and  carnage,  turned  away  with 
sickened  hearts.  The  allies  carried  away  their 
dead  and  wounded,  but  left  the  remains  of  the 
conquered  to  the  mercy  of  the  elements  and 
to  become  the  prey  of  the  birds.  Shortly  after- 
wards the  last  remnants  of  the  Fox  nation  came 
to  Presque  Isle  to  "hold  the  feast  of  the  dead" 
and  to  cover  the  bones  of  their  warriors  that 
they  would  no  longer  be  excluded  from  the 
happy  hunting  ground  of  their  ancestors.  To- 
day their  bleached  bones  are  exposed  by  the  ruth- 
less plow,  and  any  one  interested  in  Indian  antiq- 
uities can  have  that  interest  gratified  by  a  visit 
to  Presque  Isle. 

Years  after  the  dreadful  massacre  which  con- 
verted the  beautiful  spot  called  Presque  Isle  into 
the  grave  of  the  Fox  nation,  a  stone  mill  was 
built  there  by  a  French  settler,  who  came  to 
reside  with  his  sister  Josette,  undaunted  by  the 
current  traditions  which  peopled  it  with  the  spir- 
its of  the  departed  warriors.  Jean  was  a  quiet, 
morose  man,  different  from  the  laughing,  careless, 


p 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


61 


pleasure-loving  Canadian, — for  rare  were  his'visits 
to  the  fort,  and  it  was  noticed  that  he  never  lin- 
gered over  his  cidre^  nor  spoke  to  the  smiling,, 
piquante  daughters  of  the  habitants.  Men 
shrugged  their  shoulders,  and  the  fair  dam- 
sels pouting  their  pretty  lips  would  cluster 
around  the  coureur  des  bois,  who,  going  every- 
where, was  the  recognized  gossip  of  the  day,  and 
ask  him  why  Jean  was  so  different  from  others, 
while  with  a  wise  look  on  his  face,  the  coureur 
would  reply  that  Jean  had  met  with  a  disappoint- 
ment in  his  early  youth,  and  had  since  kept  shy 
of  the  fair  sex,  by  a  vow  which  was  then  custom- 
ary, for  when  a  man' s  addresses  were  once  refused 
he  seldom  tried  a  second  time. 

Josette  was  much  older  than  her  brother,  and 
by  dint  of  thrift  and  economy  had  saved  enough 
to  become  a  half  owner  in  the  mill.  The  favored 
few  who  had  tasted  her  "  croquecignoles  "  *  and 
"galette  au  beurre,"  spoke  of  it  as  an  era  in 
their  existence.  Naught  disturbed  the  monotony 
of  their  lives ;  each  day  was  but  a  repetition.  The 
river  flowed  calmly  on,  the  birds  sang  their  songs — 
for  nature  has  no  moods,  they  belong  to  man  alone. 
At  last  Josette  fell  sick.     Jean  attended  her  as. 

*Croquecignoles.  A  sort  of  doughnut.  Galette  au  beurre.  A. 
kind  of  bread,  to  which  is  added  milk  and  butter. 


i;     f 


m: 


im 


v.i% 


I.  ;1; 


62 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


carefully  as  he  could,  and  like  a  prudent  man, 
would  frequently  ask  her  to  whom  she  would  leave 
her  Interest  in  the  mill.  Irritable  from  suffering, 
she  became  annoyed  at  his  importunities,  accused 
him  of  taking  care  of  her  for  the  sake  of  obtain- 
ing her  money,  and  told  him  "  she  would  leave  it 
to  the  devil."  Jean  tried  in  his  clumsy  fashion, 
to  soothe  her.  He  sent  for  some  of  his  kindred 
to  reason  with  her,  but  they  only  infuriated  her 
the  more,  and  she  solemnly  declared  that  not  one 
of  them  should  have  her  share  in  the  mill,  but 
"  she  would  sooner  leave  it  to  the  devil." 

Josette  recovered,  however,  and  with  that  per- 
versity born  of  stubbornness,  would  not  relent. 
A  few  months  afterwards  she  was  found  dead  in 
her  bed,  having  died  suddenly.  That  same  night, 
whilst  the  candles  threw  their  dim  shadowy  light 
in  the  room  of  the  dead,  a  furious  storm  arose, 
lashing  the  waves  against  the  shore,  the  winds 
howling  fiercely  around  the  point,  the  black 
clouds  chasing  each  other  across  the  lowering 
skies,  as  lurid  gleams  of  lightning  and  deafening 
reverberations  of  thunder,  made  all  the  habitants 
shudder  while  they  crossed  themselves  and  told 
their  beads.  All  at  once  there  came  so  tremen- 
duous  a  shock  that  it  seemed  to  swallow  the 
island.  The  old  stone  mill  was  rent  in  twain.  A 
pungent  smell  of  sulphur  filled  the  air,  and  a 


Legends  of  Z^  Detroit. 


63 


I'. 


fiendish  laugh  was  heard  loud  above  the  raging 
storm  from  the  shattered  ruins.  The  arch  hend 
had  come  to  claim  his  share. 

For  years  afterwards  when  a  northeast  storm 
blew  from  the  lake,  making  night  hideous  by  its 
echoing  peals  of  thunder,  it  was  said  that  a  hairy 
Hgure,  with  a  horned  head  and  forked  tail  tipped 
with  lire,  his  mouth  and  eyes  darting  forth  ruddy 
flame,  could  be  seen  in  the  mill,  trying  to  put 
together  the  ruined  machinery  to  grind  the 
devil's  grist.  And  the  lonely  wayfarer  to  Grosse 
Pointe  would  see  the  marshes  around  Presque 
Isle  all  illuminated  by  flames,  called  by  the  hab- 
itants feu-follet,*  which  would  try  to  inveigle 
the  unhappy  traveler  and  bring  him  to  help  grind 
the  devil's  grist. 

*Feu-follet.    Will-o'-the-Wisp,  Jack-o'-Lantern. 


ii;ij 


■•♦; 


■ 

1 

* 

i 

i 

:mamtiimn 

i! 

i4- 


i^i'    ,  " 


IX 


JEAN  CHiaUOT. 


i  itw 


A  Leereud  of  Charlevoix's  Visit. 

AGfRAND  council  of  all  the  neighboring  tribes 
of  Le  Detroit  had  been  convened  early  in  the 
si)ring  of  1721.  Thither  came  the  witty, 
brave,  but  deceitful  Huron,  the  Athenian  of  the 
American  forest;  the  stern,  Spartan-like  Iroquois, 
the  gaudy  Ottawa,  and  eloquent  Pottawatomie 
resplendent  in  swaying  feathers  and  brilliant  in 
dashes  of  vermillion. 

Alphonse  de  Tonty,  Baron  de  Palude,  Com- 
mandant of  Fort  Pontchartrain,  explained  to  the 
red  warriors  the  object  of  the  assembly.  By  his 
side  stood  a  man  of  fine,  imposing  appearance 
whose  dress  revealed  his  priestly  character,  and 
whose  eager,  observant  eye  glanced  from  object 
to  object  with  that  lightning  liash  of   mental 


m 


Legends  of  Jji  Detroit. 


65 


photography  which  transmits  to  the  pen  with 
wonderful  I'aithiulness  its  impressions.  He  was 
introduced  as  the  bearer  of  messages  and  presents 
fi'oin  Onontio  to  his  forest  children.  It  was  the 
distinguished  traveler  and  priest,  Charlevoix, 
whose  writings  are  our  chief  authority  as  to  the 
condition  of  the  West  in  those  early  days. 

One  edict  in  an  instant  electrified  the  statue- 
like audience,  causing  the  mask  of  immobility 
to  drop  before  the  sweeping  blast  of  kindled 
I)assion  which  broke  forth  in  a  sullen  roar  like 
a  mighty  cataract.  It  was  the  prohibition  of 
selling  liquor  to  them, — a  custom  introduced  by 
Cadillac  and  continued  by  his  successors,  notwith- 
standing the  earnest  protestations  of  the  Jesuits, 
who  saw  in  the  dim  future  the  fatal  calamities 
which  would  befall  the  colony  engendered  by  this 
disastrous  traffic. 

Amidst  the  deep  grunts  and  murmurs  of  dis- 
sent, Onanguice,  the  great  Pottawatomie  orator 
rose,  and  in  an  impassioned  voice  with  torrents 
of  burning  eloquence,  poured  out  his  indignant 
])rotest.  "We  know  that  firewater  does  us  no 
good,  it  steals  our  tongues  and  our  hands.  You 
have  made  us  taste  it,  and  now  we  cannot  do 
without  it.  If  you  refuse  to  give  it  to  us,  we 
shall  get  it  from  your  enemies,  the  English." 
Drawing  his  blanket  around  him  he  haughtily 


I'  I' 


-  i rt  •- 


n 


ti 


I      ! 


jilfM  .rrtiiFiTJSii 


[ijtlrii;ii[!ii{ii>Hi 


66 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


stepped  out  of  tlie  council,  followed  by  all  the 
warriors,  who  iiled  along  the  narrow  trail  in 
silence  to  the  Pottawatomie  village,  two  miles 
below  the  fort. 

De  Tonty  was  annoyed  and  thought  the  meas- 
ure unwise,  Jind  still  more  for  j)ersonal  reasons, 
as,  if  tradition  be  true,  he  was  not  averse  to 
exchange  a  gill  of  brandy  for  a  pound  of  beaver 
skins,  for  then  every  white  man's  hand  weighed 
a  pound. '^  Be  Tonty  called  one  of  the  traders 
and  told  him  in  confidence  to  take  a  cask  of 
brandy  to  the  Pottawatomie  village,  to  secure 
thus  the  valuable  furs  which  the  Indians  were 
known  to  have  taken  during  their  winter  hunt- 
ing, and  which  owing  to  the  edict  would  pass 
into  the  hands  of  the  English;  that  he  (De 
Tonty)  would  protect  the  trader  (Jean  Chiquot) 
from  all  harm — the  proceeds  to  be  divided  be- 
tween them.  Jean  started  off.  Arriving  at  the 
village  he  found  the  old  sachems  in  council,  and 
the  younger  ones  roaming  about  idle.  To  these 
he  proposed  the  game  of  bowl,  the  stakes  being 
measures  of  brandy  which  he  exchanged  for 
their  furs.     The  offer  was  eagerly  accepted,  and 

*It  was  a  custom  then  among  traders  to  put  their  hands  on  the 
scale  in  weighing  furs,  thus  pressing  it  down,  unbeknown  to 
the  Indian.  Consequently  the  term,  "Each  white  man's  hand 
weighed  a  pound." 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


07 


evLv\\  Indian  ruslied  to  his  wigwam  to  bring  his 
pelletries,  until  there  rose  a  j)ile  which  made 
Jean's  eyes  glisten  and  his  imagination  swim 
over  with  the  probabilities  which  the  sale  of 
these  suggested. 

The  Indians  are  inveterate  gamblers  and  will 
.stake  anything  they  possess  with  the  most  sub- 
lime recklessness.  Human  nature  is  in  every 
age  the  same  where  traffic  is  concerned,  though 
culture  and  education  ^apparently  refine  the 
method  and  soften  the  terms— but  the  under- 
lying i)rincii)le  remains.  The  shrewd  trader  of 
those  days  understood  as  well  as  the  present  one, 
the  art  of  playing  skillfully  on  the  foibles  of 
otliers  and  making  of  them  a  source  of  revenue. 

Sides  were  chosen  and  the  air  rang  with  the 
wild,  guttural  sounds  of  the  savages  as  the  bowl 
touched  the  ground  and  the  little,  painted  pieces 
of  bone  were  tossed  in  the  air.  The  seductive- 
ness of  the  game  penetrated  into  the  grave  coun- 
cil of  the  sachems  and  drew  them  into  its  fas- 
cinating vortex. 

Jean's  gains  in  furs  steadily  increased,  and  so 
did  the  Indians'  desire  to  obtain  the  coveted 
liquor,  which  was  drank  as  fast  as  won.  Towards 
night  the  pandemonium  of  giddy  excitement 
subsided,  and  the  players  lay  strewn  about  in 
helpless  intoxication.     Jean  strapped  his  heavy 


\    , 


68 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


IM 


i; 


pile  of  skins  to  his  back  and  slowly  wended  his 
way  towards  the  fort.  It  was  a  glorious  evening. 
Droi;)s  of  moonlight  fell  through  the  budding 
foliage  of  the  trees  and  glistened  like  scattered 
gems  in  the  grass.  Jean  was  in  that  happy  frame 
of  mind  which  a  good  bargain  concluded  by  a 
generous  draught  of  eau  de  vie  is  apt  to  produce, 
and  thought  how  bright  and  attractive  the  world 
looked  to  him  in  contrast  with  the  morning,  when 
he  first  heard  the  edict.  Whether  he  looked 
different  to  the  world  was  a  question  Jean  did 
not  ask  himself. 

Suddenly  his  meditations  were  rudely  broken 
by  a  number  of  "Dames  Blanches,'"^  w^ho  were 
dancing  around  an  oak  tree,  and  who,  as  soon  as 
they  saw  Jean,  caught  hold  of  him  and  made 
him  dance  until  he  was  ready  to  drop  with  ex- 
haustion. He  who  a  few  moments  before  felt  as 
if  he  trod  on  air  and  walked  like  a  god  on  the 
clouds,  now  thought  his  feet  imprisoned  in  irons. 
In  vain  he  pleaded  to  be  let  alone  ;  wild  laughter 
was  his  only  a  aswer.  His  pack  fell  off,  and  with 
swift  hands  the  fairies  had  each  secured  one  of 
his  valuable  furs.  The  physical  fatigues  of  the 
man  were  forgotten  in  the  natural  instincts  of 

*  Literally  "  V/liite  Ladies,"  a  term  used  to  designate  the  little 
fuiries  which  were  then  implicitly  believed  in  by  many  of  the 
superstitious  habitants. 


"ippf^ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


69 


the  trader,  and  jumping  up  Jean  pursued  the 
"Dames  Blanches."  Eound  and  round  they 
Hew  until  Jean  grew  dizzy,  and  then  just  as  he 
would  think  lie  had  secured  his  prize  the  fairy 
would  vanish  in  the  earth,  lea'^^ng  a  spring  of 
clear  water  in  which  he  could  hear  the  mocking 
laughter  of  his  tonnentor.  Almost  distracted 
and  aching  in  every  bone,  he  picked  up  the  few 
remaining  furs  which  had  escaped  the  clutches 
of  the  fairy  robbers  and  again  started  on  his 
homeward  journey. 

He  was  obliged  to  pass  near  the  Sand  Hills, '^" 
which  were  used  by  the  Indians  as  a  burying- 
ground.  On  several  mounds  he  noticed  a  num- 
ber of  caged  birds,  t  which  fluttering  against  their 
bars,  made  a  weird  sound  that  sent  a  doleful 
message  to  Jean's  heart  and  a  cold  chill  down 
his  back,  for  he  was  not  as  brave  as  an  hour 
before.  Just  as  he  was  urging  his  weary,  bat- 
tered feet  to  the  utmost,  he  heard  a  wild, 
demoniacal  shriek,  and  looking  up  cautiously 
saw  on  a  branch  of  a  tree  a  Loup  Garou  who 


*This  property  was  afterwards  deeded  by  the  Pottawatomie 
chiefs  to  Robert  Navarre,  Jr. 

f  AVhen  an  Indian  maiden  died  the  Indians  imprisoned  a  young 
bird  until  it  first  besr^m  to  sing,  then  loading  it  with  kisses  and 
caresses  they  loosed  its  bonds  over  the  grave,  in  the  belief  that 
it  would  not  fold  its  wings  until  it  flew  to  the  spirit  land  and 
delivered  its  precious  burden. 


''Ml 


70 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


gave  him  a  malicious  leer  and  jumped  so  sud- 
denly on  Jean's  back  that  both  rolled  down  the 
sand  hill.  Jean's  blouse  flew  open  and  out  came 
liis  beads  which  he  always  carried  ''^  en  cas.''^ 

When  the  trader  got  up  and  rubbed  his  eyes 
and  straightened  his  bruised  limbs  he  looked 
about  in  vain  for  his  foe,  then  ran  breathlesslv 
to  the  fort  w^here  he  related  his  strange  adven- 
tures, but  was  met  with  smiles  of  incredulity. 

Early  next  morning  he  started  with  several 
skeptical  companions  for  the  scenes  of  the  night 
before.  To  their  amazement  the  grass  seemed 
scorched  around  the  oak  tree  and  everywhere 
little  fountains  were  bubbling  forth  their  strange 
tale.  Where  tlie  Loup  Garou  had  disappeared  a 
sulphur  spring  had  sprung  up.  The  place  w^as 
ever  afterwards  called  by  the  French  "Lii  Belle 
Fontaine,"  by  the  English,  SjrringwelU^  and  ac- 
cording to  the  tradition  of  an  old  habitant,  '*  La 
Belle  Fontaine  water  gives  complexion  brillante, 
wile  ze  sulphur  si)ring  cure  ze  internal  com- 
plaint." 


K:  ■;' 


nrf!  f  p  1 


X 


THE  WIDOW'S  CURSE. 


A  Leerend  of  the  old  Fear  Trees. 


i^-:.J'i 


^ri 


T  AVAS  Mardi  Gras  evening  in  1735. 
A  furions  storm  raged  outside,  the 
wind  liowled  through  the  leafless 
trees,  and  the  restless  waters  of  Lake 
Ste.  Claire  w^ere  fast  imprisoned  in  ice. 
But  there  were  sounds  of  merriment 
in  tlie  house  of  Charles  Chauvin.  It  was  built  of 
hewn  logs  and  fronted  the  lake,  where  the  new 
water  works  now  stand.  The  lights  from  the 
windows  were  like  bright  beams  of  promise  in  that 
waste  of  darkness.  A  party  was  gathered  in  la 
salle  a  manger  (dining-room)  to  celebrate  Shrove 
Tuesday.  The  floor  was  partly  covered  with  a 
rag  carpet,  whose  bright  tints  lent  a  glow  of 
warmth  to  the  room.     The  furniture  was  covered 


I- 


72 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


in  rliintz  and  the  legs  carved  in  grotesque  effigies 
of  birds,  the  chissifying  of  which  woiihl  have 
driven  Ciivier  to  desjiair.  A  cupboard  reaching 
to  the  ceiling  displayed  rows  of  blue  cliina,  of 
a  thi(;kness  which  would  now  alleviate  the  fear 
of  numy  house-keepers  and  defy  the  rough  hand- 
ling of  the  modern  servant. 

Before  an  open  fireplace  with  its  crackling, 
hickory  log,  stood  three  girls,  each  armed  with  a 
long-handled  frying  pan  and  trying  to  toss  pan- 
cakes— "virez  les  crepes" — a  custom  still  pre- 
served in  many  of  the  old  French  families.  Near 
by  were  several  who  poured  in  the  batter  as  fast 
as  the  pans  were  emptied,  whilst  la  dame  Chauvin 
placed  powdered  maple  sugar  between  the  cakes 
and  piled  them  ux)  in  pyramid  form.  The  art  con- 
sisted in  tossing  the  light  cake  as  high  as  possible 
while  turning  it.  It  was  accomplished  by  a  dex- 
terous motion  of  the  hand,  and  merry  were  the 
peals  of  laughter  which  greeted  the  unfortunate 
one  whose  cake  fell  on  the  glowing  coals. 

The  table  was  set  with  savory  meats,  and  all 
ate  with  a  relish  inspired  by  the  morrow  which 
would  be  Ash  "Wednesday,  for  Lent  then  was  rig- 
idly kept.  The  forfeits  were  redeemed  all  save 
la  dame  Chauvin' s,  who  only  was  released  when 
she  promised  to  tell  them  a  conte  (story).  "  What 
shall  it  be?"  she  said.     "Oh  tell  us,  grandmere, 


IT^- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


73 


about  the  old  mill  on  Connor's  Creek  and  the 
twelve  pear  trees  in  our  orchard,"  answered  the 
bright-eyed  Susanne,  i.  little  thing  of  twelve. 

Caressing  gently  the  dark  hair  of  the  girl,  the 
old  dame  began : 

Just  such  a  night  as  this,  many  years  ago,  Felix 
Robert  brought  his  young  wife  to  live  in  the  mill 
he  had  just  built  near  Pont  Rouge  (Red  Bridge) 
on  Connor  s  Creek.  His  brother  Louis  accompa- 
nied them.  It  was  impossible  to  find  a  greater 
contrast.  Felix  was  short,  with  laughing  eyes 
and  a  pleasant  word  for  everyone.  He  loved  a 
ball  or  a  race  on  the  ice  with  that  true  zest  of  en- 
joyment which  tlie  old  habitants  possessed  in  so 
eminent  a  degree.  Louis  was  tall  and  spare,  with 
a  yellow,  lean  face,  silent  and  reserved  in  manner. 
Seldom  did  he  enter  in  the  simple  pleasures  of 
those  days.  His  presence  seemed  like  a  pall, 
and  the  old  habitant  w^ould  say  :  "  C'est  un  oiseau 
d'une  mauvaise  augure  "  (he  is  a  bird  of  ill  omen). 
The  mill  prospered, — they  appeared  to  live  in  har- 
mony ;  children  gathered  around  the  hearth,  but 
the  morose  Louis  paid  little  heed  to  them,  for  his 
two  cows  seemed  to  be  the  only  things  for  wiiich 
he  entertained  affection. 

Felix  w^as  fatally  injured  by  a  falling  tree  and 
expired  soon  after,  though  not  before  he  had 
made  Louis  promise  to  watch  over  his  wife  and 


I 


% 


Ipil'll 

"(~ 

' 

l\  : 

1  1     M 

. 

1 

i 

inn 


m 


iiiilffiHFriiTii 


'mm  i 


74: 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


children,  and  to  set  aside  for  them  a  half  of  the 
X)roceeds  of  the  mill. 

After  his  brother' s  death  Louis  grew  more  and 
more  absorbed  in  himself  ;  the  children  kept  out 
of  his  way  as  if  by  instinct,  hushing  their  in- 
fantile x>i'«ttle  w^hen  his  shadow  fell  across  the 
threshold  ;  and  he  developed  the  true  traits  of  a 
miser.  Food  was  measured  for  the  home  con- 
sumption, and  he  looked  scrupulously  after  eveiy 
detail  of  the  simple  menage.  In  vain  the  w  idow 
pleaded  she  was  starving.  The  inflexible  man 
would  not  listen.  He  would  not  allow  them  out 
of  his  sight,  and  no  complaint  could  she  make, 
for  he  gave  her  no  opi^ortunity  of  conversing  with 
any  one,  and  few  came  to  the  mill  except  on  busi- 
ness, and  none  cared  to  loiter. 

One  by  one  the  children  drooped  and  were  laid 
to  rest.  Tlie  mother  implored  in  vain  more  food 
and  warmer  clothing,  and  soon  her  frail  form  told 
that  her  days  were  numbered.  One  day,  escap- 
ing the  severe  vigilance  of  her  stern  guardian,  she 
wandered  oif  towards  the  j^ear  trees,  the  stately 
survivors  of  the  age  of  Louis  XIV.,  which,  proud 
in  their  decay,  leave  no  successors,  as  if  unwilling 
to  allow  their  race  to  be  perpetuated  in  new  soil. 
Her  absence  wa^  discovered,  and  fearing  she 
might  betray  his  miserly  habits  to  the  neighbors, 
Louis  came  to  lead  her  back  quickly  to  the  house,. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


75. 


saying  he  could  not  afford  to  feed  lazy  peoi)le  ; 
he  had  supported  her  long  enough.  It  was  time 
to  work. 

liaising  her  hands  to  Heaven  she  cried  out : 
"  Woe,  woe  is  my  lot.  I  call  these  twelve  trees, 
which  are  named  after  the  Apostles,  to  witness 
my  wrongs.  May  your  property  be  swept  away, 
your  cows  refuse  to  give  milk,  and  you  yourself 
be  haunted  by  me  and  by  my  children.  You  have 
defrauded  the  widow  and  the  orphan  ;  you  have 
starved  them  to  death  and  broken  a  solemn  prom- 
ise to  the  dead.  The  pear  tree  under  which  you 
stand  will  be  shunned  by  its  comrades,  and  like 
Judas,  stand  alone,  for  the  curse  of  the  widow 
rested  on  an  object  beneath  it." 

Shortly  afterwards  she  died.  The  habitants 
were  indignant,  and  avoided  Louis  more  than 
ever.  It  was  soon  rumored  that  strange  things 
were  going  on  at  the  mill.  AVeird  sounds  were 
heard  on  Sunday  nights  especially,  and  one  with 
more  courage  or  curiosity  than  the  others  peeped 
through  the  cracks  of  the  mill  and  saw  a  great 
number  of  black  cats,  "all  dancing  like  Chris- 
tians," he  said,  whilst  the  time  was  beaten  by 
phantom  hands  which  seem  to  tioat  about  in  the 
air.  The  people  shook  their  heads  mysteriously, 
saying  that  it  was  "le- Sabbat  des  chats"*  (the- 


\\- 


*Cats  were  believed  to  be  in  league  with  the  devil,  who  fre- 


76 


Legends  of  Le  DHroit. 


i'lii 


cat's  Sabbat)  and  liinted  at  secret  dealiii<^s  with 
the  evil  one.  The  cows  sickened  and  died,  the 
habitants  refused  to  bring  their  corn  to  the  grist 
for  they  heard  such  piteous  wails  and  saw  there 
cadaverous,  ghostly  hands  as  if  imploring  for 
food.  The  old  i:>ear  tree  was  found  one  morning 
mysteriously  separated  from  its  companions  on 
the  north  side  and  its  withered  leaves  and  droop- 
ing boughs  spoke  of  some  blight  which  had  rob- 
bed it  of  its  proud  and  stately  beauty. 

Lewis  saw  all  this  and  his  land  passed  into  the 
hands  of  strangers.  He  left,  no  one  ever  hearing 
again  of  him,  and  with  him  died  the  Widow's 
Curse. 


quently  borrowed  the  form  of  a  black  cat.  Some  believe  that  the 
male  cat  has  the  power  of  assisting  at  the  "Sabbat,"  to  prevent 
■which  they  frequently  cut  a  pieco  off  the  tail  or  ear  (C.  Vaugeors, 
Histoire  des  Antiquities  de  la  Ville  de  I'Aigle,  p.  580). 


XI 


LE  LUTIN. 


A  Legrend  of  the  Goblin  Horseman. 


li  1       ''. 


N  1796,  when  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  first  waved 
in  proud  exaltation  over 
the  haughty  standard  of 
England,  there  lived  on 
the  banks  of  the  betniti- 
ful  Lake  Sainte  Claire, 
at  Grosse  Pointe,  an  olc? 
French  habitant  named  Jean  Marie  Tetit,  dit  le 
merveilleux. 

It  was  a  noticeable  custom  in  those  early  days 
to  give  each  other  soubriquets,  and  with  that 
wonderful  perceptiveness  of  the  French  which 
almost  amounts  to  a  sixth  sense,  the  nickname 
would  be  a  happy  hit  at  some  marked  character- 


I 


IS 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


istic.  To-day  some  of  the  descendants  of  these 
ohl  families  are  known  only  by  the  soubriquet ; 
other  branches  still  bear  the  original  name,  but 
in  several  cases  the  old  name  has  entirely  dis- 
appeared. 

Jean  Marie  was  a  famous  raconteur,  equaling 
Vernon,  of  the  Long  Bow.  On  autumn  after- 
noons the  habitants  would  congregate  at  his 
liouse,  and  only  when  the  shadows  had  length- 
ened into  twilight  and  the  church  bell  pealed 
the  evening  hour,  would  the  si)eli-bound  listeners 
slowly  come  back  to  the  realities  of  life  and  give 
a  thought  to  the  impatient  housewife  imd  waiting 
meal.  Perhaps  it  was  the  soft  beauty  of  the 
scene,  lit  up  by  the  hazy,  luminous  atmosphere 
peculiar  to  Indian  summer  which  gave  a  more 
brilliant  hue  to  the  glowing  forest  trees,  a  rosy 
tint  to  the  placid  waters  of  the  lake,  a  touch  of 
picturesqueness  to  the  group  of  habitants,  with 
their  eager,  expectant  faces,  which  lent  its  seduct- 
ive charm  to  Jean  Marie's  imagination.  Quietly 
taking  a  few  whiffs  from  his  loved  pipe  filled 
with  killikanick  (a  weed  used  by  the  Indians  in 
the  absence  of  tobacco,  and  from  which  a  fancy 
brand  of  Virginia  tobacco  takes  its  name),  and 
in  the  midst  of  that  hushed  silence  which  is 
in  itself  an  eloquent  tribute  to  the  raconteur's 
j)owers,  he  would  relate  the  wonderful  stories  of 


IS: 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


T9 


*'Le    Lutin,"   and    "Le    Loii])  Gjiioii"  (wehr- 
wolf);  tlie  lirst  of  wliidi  is  as  follows: 

Jacciues  L'Esi^eranee,  or  Jaco,  as  he  was  famil- 
iarly called  "forslioi't,"  on  the  death  of  his  father 
found   himself  sole  pi'oin-ietor  of  a  fine    "con- 
cession" at  Grosse  Pointe,      The  soil  was  rich, 
the  arpents  numerous,   and  all  bes])()ke  goodly 
pioniise  to  the  industrious  farmei*.     Jaco  was  not 
lazy,  but  scmehow  his  efforts  did  not  meet  with 
the  success  which  crowned  his  neighbors.      His 
taste  ran  towards  hoi'ses,  and  he  became  one  of 
the  most  celebrated  horse  breeders  in  that  section 
of  the  country,  and  was  refeiTed  to  as  an  oracle 
on  the  subject.    He  w^as  in  fact  the  Tom  Ochilti-ee 
of  his  day.     It  was  in  the  winter  races  on  the  ice 
along  the  lake  shore  and  Grand  Marais  that  Jaco 
gained  his  greatest  triumph.     Perched  on  the 
high  seat  of  his  cariole,  well  protected  from  the 
rude  blasts  by  his  Indian-blanket  coat  with  its 
deep  black  stripe,  the  hood  of  w^hich  w^as  drawn 
tightly  over  his  head,  a  wade  red  sash  encircling 
his  waist,  his  hands  covered  with  mole-skin  gloves, 
his  ringing  voice  could  be  heard  loud  above  the 
others  as  he  urged  his  little  Canadian  pony  on: 
"Avance  done    Caribou!    avance    Lambreur ! " 
With  lightning  speed  he  flew,  and  ere  the  sound 
of  his  voice  had  died  away  only  a  tiny  speck  on 
the  ice  marked  the  steed  and  its  driver.     Arriv- 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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12.2 


2.0 


1.8 


1.25      1.4 

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/. 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  )4S80 

(716)  87J.4503 


r^^" 


6^ 


n. 


Lrf- 


80 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


ing  at  the  Hotel  of  the  Grand  Marais,  under  the 
genial  influence  of  the  "  liqueur  de  peche"  (peach 
brandy)  and  the  subtle  incense  of  flattery,  in  his 
enthusiasm  he  would  claim  for  his  pony  a  speed 
which  even  in  these  days  of  St.  Julien  and  Maud 
S.,  with  their  unprecedented  records,  would  be 
considered  marvelous,  "clearing  at  a  bound,"  he 
said,  "cracks  in  the  ice  twenty  feet  wide." 

We  must  acknowledge  that  the  present  Cana- 
dian pony  is  a  degenerate  scion  of  a  fine  stock, 
for  they  are  mostly  descended  from  a  cross 
between  a  noble  stallion,  caught  wild  on  the 
prairies  of  Mexico,  the  breed  half  Arabian  and 
Si)anish,  ( having  been  introduced  there  by  Her- 
nando Cortes  in  his  conquest  of  that  country  in 
1520  and  brought  here  by  the  Indians  in  1750,) 
and  a  splendid  Norman  mare,  brought  to  this 
country  by  Gen.  Braddock  and  taken  from  him 
at  his  defeat  near  Fort  Duquesne  (Pittsburgh). 
Ten  years  later  Capt.  Morris,  of  His  Majesty's 
Seventeenth  Regiment  of  Infantry,  who  visited 
the  country  of  the  Illinois  under  the  guidance  of 
Jacques  Godfroy  in  1764,  mentions  in  his  journal 
seeing  this  handsome  milk-white  horse  still  in 
possession  of  the  Indians. 

Jaco  could  be  seen  every  day  driving  his  favor- 
ite along  the  lake  shore,  and  L'ficlair  (light- 
ning),  as  he  called  her,   carried  herself   as  if 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


81 


conscious  of  the  admiration  which  she  created. 

One  night,  with  the  rest  of  the  habitants,  Jaco 
went  to  Antoine  Griff ard's,  whose  magic  violin 
could  compel  the  most  unwilling  feet  to  chase 
the  flying  hours.  At  dawn,  going  to  the  stable 
to  harness  L' Eclair,  for  he  had  a  long  drive,  he 
found  her  all  covered  with  foam,  her  mane  all 
tangled  with  burrs.  Annoyed  that  anyone 
should  have  j)layed  him  such  a  trick,  but  not 
wishing  to  express  any  suspicion  for  fear  of 
making  a  disturbance,  Jaco  like  a  prudent  man 
held  his  tongue,  but  determined  that  v^^hen  he 
came  to  another  ball,  a  less  valuable  horse  would 
be  his  companion.  But  the  next  morning,  and 
the  next,  he  found  his  favorite  with  dejected 
head,  tired  and  wearied  as  if  she  had  been  driven 
hard  all  night.  He  put  a  padlock  on  his  barn 
door,  strewed  ashes  about  to  discover  the  foot- 
steps, yet  to  his  great  amazement  he  found 
L' Eclair  in  the  same  lamentable  plight,  the 
padlock  intact  and  no  impress  on  the  ashes. 

At  length  Jaco,  much  perplexed,  went  to  con- 
sult one  of  his  great  cronies  who  listened  atten- 
tively to  his  story,  and  at  its  conclusion,  gazing 
around  cautiously  as  if  afraid  of  being  overheard, 
whispered  hurriedly,  *'C'est  Le  Lutin  qui  la 
soigne,"  (it  is  the  goblin  who  takes  care  of  her). 

Le  Lutin  was  a  dreaded  monster  which  had 
e 


V* 


\\ 


d9 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


haunted  the  Pointe  many  years  before,  and  was 
supposed,  when  for  some  reason  he  took  a  dislike 
to  an  habitant,  to  tantalize  him  by  riding  his  finest 
horses  by  night.  Jaco  was  not  credulous.  He 
shook  his  head  smilingly  and  said  it  was  the 
work  of  some  enemy  jealous  of  L'^ficlair.  He 
had  heard  of  "La  bete  a  Comes,"  or  homed 
beast,  as  some  called  Le  Lutin,  but  only  thought 
of  it  as  one  of  the  stories  his  mother  would 
relate  to  him  in  his  infancy  as  she  rocked  him  to 
sleep.  His  friend  told  him  he  should  brand  his 
horses  with  a  cross,  or  put  an  amulet  or  charm 
about  their  necks.  Jaco  returned  home  sad  and 
dejected.  He  had  not  met  with  the  counsel  he 
wished,  and  determined  to  find  out  for  himself 
who  this  enemy  was. 

One  bright  moonlight  night  he  stationed  him- 
self at  his  window  where  he  could  com.mand  a 
good  view  of  his  barn  without  being  seen  himself, 
and  armed  with  his  trusty  rifle,  waited  for  his 
foe.  Not  a  sound  disturbed  the  nighu  air  save 
the  low  murmuring  of  the  waters  against  the 
beach,  the  lone  cry  of  the  whip-poor-will,  or  the 
occasional  plash  of  some  restless  bullfrog.  All 
nature  seemed  to  slumber.  Suddenly  a  sound 
like  the  troubled  neighing  of  a  horse  fell  on  his 
strained  ear,  and  keeping  his  eyes  on  the  bam 
doors,   he  saw  them  noiselessly  open  and  his 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


83 


I 

VI 


favorite  L'llclair,  trembling  like  a  leaf,  fly  out. 
On  her  back  was  a  fearful  apparition.  Jaco  was 
no  coward,  but  he  felt  his  courage  oozing  out 
at  his  knees,  cold  chills  chasing  each  other  down 
his  back,  and  great  beads  of  perspiration  stand- 
ing on  his  forehead.  The  monster  resembled  a 
baboon,  with  a  horned  head,  a  skin  of  bristling 
black  hair,  brilliant,  restless  eyes,  and  a  devilish 
leer  on  its  face.  It  clutched  with  one  hand  L'  - 
Eclair' s  mane,  and  with  the  other  belabored  her 
with  a  stick  of  the  thorn  bush,  for  the  flend 
rode  without  saddle  or  bridle. 

Jaco  recognized  in  an  instant  that  his  rifle  was 
powerless  against  such  a  foe,  and  like  a  bright  in- 
spiration came  to  him  the  old  mode  used  to  exor- 
cise a  demon ;  he  seized  the  holy  water  font,  one 
of  which  hung  at  the  head  of  every  good  habit- 
ant's bed,  and  threw  it  and  its  contents  down  upon 
the  monstet  as  he  passed  beneath  the  window.  A 
demoniacal  shriek  rent  the  air,  the  horse  snorted, 
reared,  and  notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  the 
fiend,  plunged  into  the  chilly  waters  of  the  lake. 
Jaco  rushed  in  pursuit,  but  when  he  arrived  at 
the  beach,  only  the  circling  eddies  marked  the 
spot  where  the  affrighted  animal  and  its  fiendish 
rider  had  disappeared.  Firing  his  rifle  to  awak- 
en his  neighbors,  who,  unaccustomed  to  such 
signals,  rushed  to  find  out  what  was  the  matter, 


'  : 


84 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Jaco  related  his  adventure.  His  disordered  ap- 
pearance, the  absence  of  the  horse,  the  broken 
fragments  of  the  holy  water  font,  and  the  thorn- 
bush  stick  dropijed  by  the  goblin,  confirmed  his 
tale.  Like  a  judicious  man  he  marked  all  his 
horses  thereafter  with  a  cross  fearing  the  return  of 
Le  Lutin.*  And  to  this  day  the  Grosse  Pointe 
habitants  retain  this  custom,  and  whenever  in 
the  early  morn  on  going  to  the  barn  they  lind  a 
favorite  horse  reeking  with  sweat  and  foam,  and 
with  mane  all  tangled  as  if  by  the  claws  of  a 
beast,  they  shake  their  heads  mysteriously  and 
say  that  it  is  Le  Lutin  come  again. 


*  Aubrey  in  his  "Miscellanies"  mentions  the  practice  for  pre- 
venting nightmare  in  horses,  "to  liang  in  a  string  a  flint  with  a 
hole  in  it,  by  the  manger ;  but  best  of  all  they  say  hung  about 
their  necks,  and  a  flint  will  do  it  that  hath  not  a  hole  in  it.  It  is 
to  prevent  the  nightmare,  viz:  the  hag  from  riding  their  horses 
that  will  sometimes  sweat  all  night.  The  flint  thus  hung  doe» 
hinder  it."    Herrick  says : 

"  Hang  up  hooks  and  shears  to  scare 

Hence  the  hag  that  rides  the  mare 

Till  they  be  all  over  wet 

With  the  mire  and  the  sweat, 

This  observed,  the  manes  shall  be 

Of  your  horses,  all  knot  free." 


XII 


THE  WARRIOR'S  LOVE. 


A  liOffend  of  BoU  Blano. 


i  -n 


y 

<  5,' 

If  i 


HE  admirable  site  of  Bois  Blanc  on  the 
Canadian  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  De- 
troit River,  commanding  the  main  chan- 
nel, attracted  in  the  early  days  of  the 
■^  colony,  the  eye  of  the  experienced  sol- 
dier. It  was  for  a  long  time  a  mooted  question 
whether  Port  Pontchartrain  would  remain  at 
Detroit  or  be  removed  to  this  island.  It  received 
its  name  from  a  superb  forest  of  white  wood, 
but  it  was  shorn  of  its  crown  of  glory  by  an 
act  of  vandalism  during  that  brief  panic  of  pa- 
triotism in  1837,  called  by  the  self-styled  "pa- 
triots" The  Patriot  War.  They  felled  these 
glorious  giant  trees  for  purposes  of  military 
observation.  Here  Tecumseh  and  his  warriors 
in  1813  awaited  the  issue  of  the  Battle  of  Lake 


■'.  1 


M 


i  I 


i:;.i|: 


86 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


Erie,  and  as  soon  as  the  fatal  import  to  the 
English  was  known,  the  chief  crossed  over  to 
Maiden,  then  garrisoned  by  Proctor.  To  his 
amazement  he  found  the  British  commander 
making  hurried  preparations  to  evacuate  without 
the  faintest  show  of  resistance.  Forced  to  pas- 
sive obedience  by  circumstances  he  could  not 
crush  and  despising  the  cowardice  of  the  act, 
Tecumseh  begged  Proctor  to  leave  him  arms  and 
ammunition,  that  he  and  his  braves  might  defend 
the  fort  against  the  victorious  Americans.  The 
British  general's  refusal  to  do  so  called  forth 
the  stinging  and  contemptuous  remark  from  the 
outraged  savage,  "that  he  (Proctor)  was  like  a 
fat  cur  sneaking  away  wath  his  tail  between  his 
legs,  after  making  a  great  show  of  courage." 

After  Charlevoix's  visit  in  1722  to  these  re- 
gions, a  Huron  mission  was  established  on  this 
island  under  the  direction  of  Fathers  Potier  and 
de  la  Richardie.  Several  hundred  of  the  tribe 
came,  and  soon  their  tents  blossomed  like  wild 
flowers  through  the  woods.  The  joyous  laughter 
of  children  sent  its  warm,  exhilarating  tones  over 
the  waters.  The  sweet  sound  of  the  bell  from 
the  rude,  birchen  chapel  bade  the  echoes  of  the 
forest  awake  and  respond  gladly  to  the  message 
of  redemption.  But  the  English  with  their 
eager  desire  to  extend  their  trade  to  the  West, 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


87 


sowed  seeds  of  dissension  among  the  Indians 
and  poisoned  their  hearts  against  the  French. 
In  1747  a  general  uprising  of  all  the  tribes  took 
l)I{ice,  and  Bois  Blanc  became  the  theatre  of  a 
conspiracy  to  massacre  the  French  at  Fort  Pont- 
cluirtiain.  It  was  betrayed  to  De  Longueil,  the 
Commandant,  who  used  wise  and  precautionary 
measures  which  not  only  stemmed  the  tide  of 
savage  mutiny,  but  restored  peace  and  order. 
Still  it  was  considered  more  prudent  to  remove 
the  Huron  mission  nearer  the  fort.  Bois  Blanc 
was  abandoned,  and  the  settlement  located  at 
Sandwich,  the  present  church  there  being  the 
successor  of  the  one  built  by  Father  Potier. 

One  incident  of  early  days  invests  this  island 
with  romantic  interest,  where  the  noble  heart  of 
a  Huron  chief  became  the  sacrifice  of  a  glorious 
self-devotion.  Many  years  have  passed  since  that 
act,  but  it  is  still  handed  down  from  generation 


to  generation. 


White  Fawn  was  the  daughter 


of  a  celebrated  Huron  brave  who  had  accom- 
panied DeBellestre  to  Montreal  to  see  the  Gov- 
ernor, and  whilst  there  had  died.  Her  mother 
who  belonged  to  the  pale-face,  had  faded  away 
many  years  before.  The  maiden  was  the  pride 
of  the  tribe,  and  her  admirers,  as  numerous 
as  the  leaves  of  the  forest,  endeavored  to  woo  her 
by  their   peculiar   mode  of    courtship.      They 


1     1 


88 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


would  whittle  tiny  sticks  and  throw  them  at  her. 
If  the  girl  picked  them  up  the  Indian's  suit 
was  favored,  but  if  she  heeded  them  not  he 
carefully  collected  and  buried  them  with  his 
unrequited  affection.  White  Fawn  had  shyly 
hesitated  over  the  love  tokens  of  a  distinguished 
warrior,  thereby  conveying  that  she  needed  more 
time. 

One  day  he  returned  from  the  forest,  bringing 
a  wounded  hunter,  whom  he  had  accidentally 
shot.  The  medicine  men  worked  their  charms 
over  the  stranger,  and  the  maiden  nursed  him 
tenderly,  for  she  knew  that  if  the  pale-face  died 
there  would  be  a  shadow  on  the  heart  of  the 
warrior.  But  soon  a  mist  came  over  her  eyes, 
and  the  voice  of  the  brave  which  had  been  as 
the  summer  wind,  to  which  she  bent  like  the 
reed,  no  longer  whispered  its  sweet  song.  The 
traditions  of  her  mother's  race  found  their 
way  to  her  heart;  the  words  of  the  pale-face 
became  stars  and  the  heart  of  the  maiden  the 
lake  whereon  they  rested,  and  as  he  looked  down 
he  saw  no  other  light  reflected  there.  The  war- 
rior soon  noticing  the  change,  upbraided  the 
maiden,  who  bowed  her  head  in  silence.  The 
bright  knife  of  the  Indian  gleamed  a  second  in 
his  uplifted  hand,  but  the  next  instant  it  was 
whirled  far  out  into  the  river  and  burying  its 


U. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


89 


keen  edge  in  the  peaceful  waters.  "No,"  said 
tlie  Indian,  "the  arm  of  Kenen  is  stronger  than 
his  voice  and  his  anger  like  the  mighty  tempest 
that  sweeps  over  the  forest,  but  he  is  not  strong 
enough  to  strike  the  heart  of  the  White  Fawn." 
Shortly  afterward  the  tribe  removed  to  their 
winter  hunting  grounds,  and  the  Iroquois,  the 
hereditary  foes  of  the  Hurons,  becoming  an- 
noyed at  some  act,  warred  against  them.  Among 
tlie  prisoners  that  they  captured  was  the  pale- 
face, whom  they  brought  to  Bois  Blanc.  Here, 
where  everything  spoke  to  him  of  his  former 
happiness,  was  he  to  take  his  last  farewell  of 
life,  with  no  friendly  voices,  or  kind,  comforting 
words  to  soothe  his  agony.  A  hush  fell  on  the 
assembled  Indians  gathered  around  to  see  the 
pale-face  die.  A  haughty  warrior  advanced,  and 
despite  the  usual  decorum  of  the  council,  the 
name  of  Kenen  ran  in  sounding  tones  around  the 
circle.  "Have  the  Iroquois  heard  the  name  of 
Kenen?"  he  asked.  "There  is  no  greater  in  his 
nation,"  was  the  reply.  The  dark  eye  of  the 
Huron  flashed  proudly.  "Let  the  pale-face  be 
free,"  he  said,  "a  Huron  chief  will  take  his 
place."  The  cords  were  severed  which  bound 
the  white  man,  and  the  Huron  whispered  to 
him :  "  There  is  sorrow  in  the  heart  of  the  White 
Fawn,  and  the  eyes  of  Kenen  cannot  look  upon 


'm 


\-' 


I-"' 


^:\^^ 


:  i| 


lil'l 


90 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


it.  Wlien  he  is  gone  the  White  Fawn  will  be 
hax)py  in  the  shelter  she  loves."  So  quickly 
was  all  done  that  the  pale-face  liacl  not  time  to 
remonstrate.  He  was  borne  along  to  a  canoe, 
and  soon  swift  oars  wafted  him  from  the  fatal 
spot.  When  the  bright  moon  rose,  the  spirit  of 
the  warrior  rested  on  the  bosom  of  his  fathers. 


fe 


^^ 


XIII 


THE  MIAMI  SEER'S  PROPHECY. 


A  Legend  of  Braddook's  Defeat. 

DE  CELERON",  whilst  commander  of  Fort 
Pontcliartrain,  had  received  orders  to  reas- 
sert the  French  claim  to  all  the  country  west 
of  the  AUeghanies.  He  did  so  by  ordering  the 
English  traders  away  and  placing  at  the  junction 
of  the  Alleghany  and  Monongahela  Rivers  a  sil- 
ver plate,  upon  which  was  this  inscription  :  "In 
the  year  1749  during  the  reign  of  Louis  XV., 
King  of  France,  we,  Celeron,  commander  of  a  de- 
tachment sent  by  the  Marquis  de  la  Galisson- 
niere,  commander-in-chief  of  New  France,  for 
tlie  restoration  of  tranquility  in  some  villages  of 
Indians  in  this  district,  have  buried  this  plate  at 
the  confluence  of  the  Ohio  and  Tchadakoin  thi» 
29th  day  of  July,  near  the  River  Ohio,  otherwise 


,1*1 


92 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Beautiful  River,  as  a  monument  of  the  renewal 
of  possession  wliicli  we  have  taken  of  the  said 
River  Ohio  and  of  all  those  that  therein  fall  and 
of  all  the  said  lands  on  both  sides  as  far  as  the 
sources  of  said  rivers,  as  enjoyecl,  or  ought  to  be 
enjoyed,  by  the  preceding  King  of  France,  and 
as  they  therein  maintained  themselves  by  arms 
and  by  treaties,  especially  by  those  of  Ryswick, 
of  Utrecht,  and  of  Aix-la-Chapelle." 

Petty  hostilities  between  France  and  England 
had  been  growing  warmer  for  years,  until  in  1755 
they  had  reached  a  degree  when  open  warfare 
seemed  inevitable.  England  determined  to  stop 
the  so-called  encroachments  of  the  French  by 
sending  a  vast  army  to  join  the  recruits  raised  by 
the  Colonists  along  the  Atlantic.  The  latter  were 
to  light  the  torch  of  war  by  attacking  the  French 
posts  between  Fort  Duquesne  (Pittsburg)  and 
Niagara. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1755  DeBellestre,  the 
commander  of  Fort  Pontchar train,  received  or- 
ders from  the  Governor  General  of  New  France 
to  summon  every  able-bodied  man  to  arms  and  to 
rouse  the  Indian  tribes  even  as  far  as  the  Missis- 
sii)pi.  For  many  days  the  little  fort  was  the 
scene  of  unusual  commotion.  Scouts  had  been 
sent  to  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  North  and  West, 
detachments  of  which  were  constantly  arriving 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


93 


in  answer  to  the  summons.  DeBellestre  was  to 
rcniiain  at  the  iort ;  his  uncle,  Alexis  des  Ruis- 
seaux,  was  to  command  the  outgoing  regulars. 
The  nulitia  were  u'vaiting  orders  for  an  immediate 
march  to  the  Ohio,  with  detachments  of  Indians 
arid  coureurs  des  bois,  commanded  by  Jon- 
caire,  Isidore  Chesne,  Godefroj^,  Campeau,  Meteor 
Gamelin,  La  Butte  and  Jadot.  Pontiac  with  the 
Ottawas,  Sauteurs,  Poux,  and  all  the  tribes  of  the 
North,  Takay  of  the  wicked  bands  of  Hurons, 
Baby  and  Peatan  of  the  Christian  band,  and  Gros 
Oreilles  (Big  Ears)  and  Kenouchamek  of  the 
Loups  and  Shawnees,  hastened  to  obey  the  sut'ii- 
mons.  They  encamped  two  miles  above  the 
Huron  mission  (now  Windsor,  opposite  Detroit). 
As  the  time  approached  for  the  departure  of  the 
expedition,  DeBellestre,  well  versed,  like  all  the 
French  officers,  in  Indian  customs,  called  a  gen- 
eral council  of  all  the  tribes,  to  be  held  on  the 
site  of  their  encampment.  Belts  of  wampum 
were  prepared,  barrels  of  eau  de  vie  opened, 
cloths,  blankets,  ornaments  of  silver,  guns,  balls, 
powder  and  knives  were  lavishly  distributed 
as  presents  from  Onontio  to  his  dusky  children. 
Rumors  of  the  extraordinary  strength  of  the 
English  marching  force  had  reached  the  savages. 
Some  of  the  wiser  and  cooler  of  the  chieftains 
wished  to  obtain  further  information  as  to  the 


m 

» 

V 

I 

«                V 

1 

! 

^  V"  M 


u 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


risk  to  be  incurred.  Bellestre  was  compelled  to 
harangue  his  savage  allies.  "My  children,"  he 
said,  "are  you  ungrateful  for  all  the  kindness 
Onontio  has  shown  you  %  His  enemies  have  come 
upon  him  like  a  band  of  wolves  at  night,  and  he 
depends  upon  his  children  to  run  to  his  aid.  New 
presents  will  be  distributed  to  you  on  your  re- 
turn, and  to  the  families  of  those  who  fall  a 
double  supply  shall  be  given." 

A  noted  chief  of  the  Miamis,  and  a  renowned 
seer  and  drean\er,  rose  to  reply.  "What  my 
father  says  is  true,  and  my  heart  sorrows  that 
any  warrior  should  refuse  to  obey  Onontio' s  call. 
Last  night  in  my  sleep  I  saw  a  lofty  mountain, 
along  whose  sides  marched  countless  numbers  of 
pale-face  warriors.  Their  brilliant  scarlet  blan- 
kets glowed  like  the  leaves  of  the  sumach  in  the 
sun.  Their  polished  knives  glistened  like  the 
sleeping  waters  of  the  lake  under  the  light  of  the 
full  moon.  On  a  snow-white  horse  sat  their  proud 
leader,  and  his  eagle  eye  seemed  to  pierce  the 
cowardly  heart.  Great  guns  on  wheels,  drawn 
by  stout  horses,  followed  in  the  line  which  trail- 
ed like  a  serpent  through  the  valley.  Last  came 
countless  '  long-knife '  warriors  clad  in  coats  the 
color  of  the  sky.  On  a  black  horse  at  their  head 
rode  a  young  chieftain  whose  stern,  majestic  face 
and  pale  blue  eye  made  me  shrink.     At  last,  I 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


95 


thought,  the  tribes  are  to  be  driven  from  their 
hunting   grounds.      Desolation  will    encompass 
every  wigwam  of  the  West.     As  I  was  about  to 
Hee  I  heard  a  shout,  and  one  of  our  French  broth- 
ers, clad  in  an  Indian  hunting  dress  with  a  silver 
gorget  on  his  breast,  leaped  from  the  woods  and 
sprang  down  the  hill-side.    As  he  waved  his  sword 
above  his  head  I  saw  the  warriors  of  our  tribes, 
the  Miamis,  the  Ottawas,  the  Loups,  the  Hurons, 
the  Shawnees  and  others  dart  from  behind  every 
tree,  and  pour  in  a  fire  which  fell  like  hail  upon 
the  proud  foe,  and  as  the  leaves  before  a  hurri- 
cane the  red-coats  went  down.      In  vain  their 
brave  chief  tried  to  rally  them;  they  fled,  and 
their  leader  was  slain.    Had  it  not  been  for  the 
pale  blue-eyed  chief  of  the  'long-knives,'  every 
scalp  would  have  hung  at  the  belts  of  our  war- 
riors.    Though  bullet  after  bullet  was  sent  after 
him,  and  all  around  him  fell,  he  was  untouched,  for 
he  bore  a  charmed  life.     The  great  Manitou  had 
taken  him  under  his  wing.     Many  of  our  braves 
returned  to  their  camps  loaded  down  with  plun- 
der, and  one  brought  the  beautiful  snow-white 
steed  of  the  red- coat  leader.     Years  hence  I  see 
her  colts,  swifter  than  the  wind  and  numerous  as 
the  blades  of  grass  scattered  over  the  boimdless 
plains  of  the  West.     Brothers,  I  have  done." 
1'he  warriors  who  had  clustered  around  listen- 


1 

Hi 

* 

il 

4 

\ 

A 

*, 

\ 

\ 

1  I 


I'tti 


t   _ 


I' 

1    h 


96 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


ing  eagerly  to  their-inspired  seer  gave  utterance 
to  many  ughs  !  ughs !  expressive  of  their  delight 
and  full  faith  in  coming  victory. 

The  expedition  started  out.  How  the  brave 
Beaujeu  and  his  Indian  followers  brought  about 
Braddock's  defeat,  and  how  the  savages  came  to 
regard  Washington,  the  leader  of  the  "long- 
knives,"  with  superstitious  awe  are  matters  of 
history.  It  is  not  so  well  known  that  from  Brad- 
dock's  white  mare  and  a  spirited  stallion  of  the 
West,  left  by  Cortes,  the  hardy,  swift  Canadian 
ana  Indian  ponies  so  famous  along  the  lakes,  are 
descended. 


THE  BONES  OF  THE  PROPHET. 


A  Ijegrend  of  Isle  au  Peche. 

AILING  along  the  Detroit  and 
Lake  Ste.  Claire,  the  eye  is  charm- 
ed by  the  beautiful  islands  which 
nestle  on  the  bosom  of  the  bright 
waters.  The  Indian  legend  re- 
garding their  origin  is  a  pretty  and  poetical  con- 
ception. One  little  one  just  above  Belle  Isle — 
"Peach  Island,"*  as  it  is  called — is  'a  bit  of 
wandering  fairyland,  around  which  romance  has 

*  On  account  of  a  misnomer  Isle  au  P6che  has  been  Anglicised 
into  "Peach  Island,"  whereas  it  should  have  been  translated 
Fishing  Island,  on  account  of  an  old  fishery  established  there  aa 
early  as  1723.— (Charlevoix.) 
7 


f 

A 

1 

, 

1^ 

J 

1 

'it 

7> 


n 


It 


■T 


-'13 


^n 


1      ? 


•  lilt  ■'■ 

I 


98 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


woven  its  gossamer  web  and  whicli  history  has 
gilded  with  its  magic  pencil . 

The  spirit  who  inhabited  tne  Sand  Mountains, 
called  the  "Sleeping  Bear,"*  had  a  daughter 
who  was  endowed  with  such  seductive  beauty 
and  matchless  perfection  that  the  mother  feared 
she  would  be  stolen.  The  spirit  hid  her  in  a 
box,  tying  it  by  a  long  string  to  a  stake  on  the 
beach,  and  every  day  would  draw  the  box  in 
to  feed  the  fair  maiden  and  comb  her  yellow 
tresses. 

The  South  Wind  passed  once  at  this  nour,  and 
saw  her.  He  murmured  caressingly  his  soft  and 
balmy  sighs  through  the  golden  meshes  of  her 
flowing  hair.  This  gentle  wooing  gave  birth 
to  that  beautiful,  but  too  brief,  Indian  summer. 
The  North  and  West  Winds  heard  of  the  mys- 
terious beauty  through  their  zephyr  couriers.  A 
fierce  rivalry  ensued  and  the  elements  were  at 
war.  A  violent  storm  arose,  snapped  the  frail 
thread  which  held  the  box  to  its  moorings,  and 
it  drifted  along  borne  by  the  waves  to  the  lodge 
of  the  Prophet,  the  Keeper  of  the  G  .ces  of  the 
Lakes,  who  resided  at  the  outlet  of  Lake  Huron. 
Joyfully  he  received  as  his  bride  this  beautiful 
waif  of  the  foamy  billows.  . 

*  Sle(!piiig  Bear.     A  point  of  land  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Lake 
Michigan,  noted  for  the  prevalence  of  storms  in  its  vicinity. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroitj 


99 


The  dusky  Pandora  brought  evil  in  her  train. 
The  storm  revived  in  all  its  fury,  sweeping  away 
the  lodge  and  portions  of  the  land  of  the  old 
Magician.  These  floated  down  and  formed  the 
islands  in  the  Detroit  River.  The  old  Prophet 
was  buried  beneath  Isle  au  Peche  which  became 
the  Mecca  of  the  Ottawa  warriors. 

The  fragments  of  the  box  formed  Belle  Isle, 
and  the  great  Manitou,  in  order  to  prevent  any 
more  contentions,  girded  the  island  with  rattle- 
snakes. No  other  sentinels  were  required  to 
guard  the  imprisoned  beauty  than  these  reptiles 
with  their  bewitching  craft  of  eyes  and  forked 
tongues,  and  which  were  held  in  superstitious 
veneration  by  the  Indians. 

It  was  in  October  of  1762  that  the  wonderful 
^'pluie  de  suie"  or  "Black  Rain"*  occurred; 
this  day  is  known  in  history  as  the  "Black 
Day  of  Canada."  Clouds  of  inky  blackness 
hung  over  Detroit.  Water,  land,  everything  was 
enveloped  in  this  sombre  drapery  of  darkness. 
The  howling  of  wolves  and  the  despairing  moans 
of  animals,  combining  all  that  is  savage  in  beast 
and  fearful  in  man,  prophesying  and  deploring 
the  approaching  misfortune,  lent  terror  to  this 
weird  carnival  of  Tenebrae.  When  the  rain  fell, 
the  drops  emitted  a  strong  sulphurous  odor,  and 

*Literally,  "rain  of  soot." 


■<!^ 


i 

! 

-r 
1. 


n  . 


Iffffl 


-\-  —  K- 


!!|:MI 


100 


Legends  of  L^  Detroit. 


■,n  I 


were  so  deeply  colored  that  they  could  be  used 
as  ink.  Philosophy  and  science  gave  their  sola- 
tion  of  this  strange  phenomenon,  but  the  learned 
explanation  fell  on  deaf  ears,  for  the  Canadians 
and  Indians  read  for  themselves  the  mystic  lan- 
guage foreboding  disaster. 

Pontiac,  the  wily  diplomat  of  the  forest,  whose 
eloquence,  subtlety  and  consummate  ambition, 
commanded  tht  admi^^ation  of  his  civilized  foes 
and  gained  for  him  ^ne  title  of  the  Mithridates 
of  the  West,  viewed  these  signs  as  prophetic 
warnings.  Following  the  ancient  customs  of 
the  Indians  who  prepared  themselves  lor  great 
undertakings  by  fasting,*  he  dismissed  his 
squaws  and  retinue  to  the  Ottawa  village  on  the 
eastern  shore  of  Le  Detroit,  and  went  alone  to 
Isle  au  Peche  to  consult  the  Prophet  whose  bones 
lay  beneath.  There,  amid  the  calm  and  pictur- 
esque scenes  of  nature,  and  in  that  harmonious 
silence  so  eloquent  in  its  muteness,  he  conceived 
the  plan  of  that  wonderful  coup  d'etat  which  has 
blazoned  his  name  on  history's  page,  by  which 
he  aimed  to  destroy  all  the  English  forts  on  the 

*  The  Indians  believed  in  fasting,  and  thought  that  by  weakttn- 
ing  the  body,  they  entered  into  closer  communion  with  the  spirit. 
The  dreams  or  visions  which  came  to  them  whilst  in  this  con- 
dition were  carefully  treasured,  and  frequently  guided  and  in- 
fluenced them  in  all  their  undertakings  during  their  lifetimes. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


101 


same  day,  and  to  drive  the  invaders  from  the 
country.  Brought  up  in  the  solemn  grandeur  of 
the  primitive  forests  where  no  passing  mood  or 
fancy  of  the  mind  but  had  its  image  or  echo  in 
the  wikl  world  around,  the  autumn  blast  as  it 
shrieked  its  discordant  symphonies  through  the 
forest  poured  its  fierce  energy  into  his  heart. 
The  sullen  roar  of  the  waves  as  they  dashed 
against  the  beach  in  foaming  rage  inflamed  his 
resentment ;  his  fevered  imagination  saw  the 
phantoms  of  his  race  urging  him  on  to  defend 
their  resting-place  from  the  despoiling  hand  of 
the  invader.  In  the  moaning  reeds  the  voice  of 
the  Prophet  bade  him  gather  his  tribe,  to  rise 
up,  to  be  strong  as  the  whirlwind  and  to  go  forth 
like  the  lightning  and  scatter  the  English  like 
leaves  before  the  autumn  wind. 

The  evening  of  the  seventh  day  he  returned  to 
his  tribe,  emaciated  from  his  long  vigils  and 
fasting.  He  sent  his  messengers  with  the  war- 
belt  of  wampum*  and  tne  tomahawk  stained 
red  in  token  of  war,  from  tribe  to  tribe,  from 
village  to  village. 

*TJ)P  Indians  among  themselves  had  no  written  contracts,  the 
belt  of  wampum  supplying  the  place,  as  a  reminder  of  a  bond 
or  promise  given.  It  was  painted  different  colors  to  suit  the 
occasion  ;  red,  for  instance,  signifying  war,  etc.  The  belts  were 
carefully  preserved  and  handed  down  in  the  tribe  from  genera- 
tion to  generation. 


1 

1 

0 

f 

•»:■ 

,(,,■ 

'■ 

:';; 

J' 

i,    '  :. 

^ti 


ri 


m 


iw.r 


H  -i 


i         !•■■    i 


I:  »W     '  '      ' 


I 


102 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


Pontiac,  as  chief  of  the  Metai,  a  magical  asso- 
ciation among  the  warriors  of  the  lakes,  obtained 
great  influence  over  all  the  tribes  which  enabled 
him  to  play  on  the  superstition  of  his  follow- 
ers. He  called  them  to  a  great  council,  and  in 
burning  words  of  eloquence  spoke  of  the  wrongs 
and  injuries  they  had  received  from  the  English, 
and  revealed  to  them  the  command  he  had  re- 
ceived from  the  Prophet  of  Isle  au  Peche.  The 
plan  gave  satisfaction  to  the  grave  and  silent 
warriors,  who,  drawing  their  blankets  over  their 
heads,  retired  to  their  villages  to  await  the  signal 
which  was  to  return  to  them  the  hunting-grounds 
of  their  forefathers. 


!l 


XV 


THE  BLOODY  RUN. 


'r^ 


0 


A  liOflrend  of  Pontiac's  Sieffe. 

NE  bright  May  morning  in  1763,  whilst  Pon- 
tiac  and  his  savage  hordes  lay  before  Detroit, 
two  men  were  engaged  in  earnest  conversa- 
tion in  front  of  the  council  house  within  the  be- 
sieged place.  The  more  conspicuous  was  a  tall, 
determined  looking  man,  clad  in  the  uniform  of 
an  English  officer,  whose  features  were  almost 
picturesque  in  their  ruggedness.  This  was  Maj. 
Gladwyn,  commander  of  the  post.  His  abrupt 
and  impatient  gestures  were  in  striking  contrat^t 
with  the  easy,  graceful  manners  of  his  compan- 
ion, Maj.  Jean  Chapoton,  the  first  surgeon  of  Fort 
Pontchartrain,  who,  several  years  previous  to 
the  English  conquest,  had  resigned  from  the 
French  army  and  settled  in  Detroit. 


WT 


104 


Ijegenda  of  Le  Detroit. 


It  was  evident  from  the  eager,  anxious  glances 
they  cast  along  the  street  every  now  and  then, 
that  they  expected  some  one.  Presently  they 
were  joined  by  a  younger  man  of  medium  height, 
but  of  powerful  i)hysique,  and  whose  dress  be- 
spoke preparations  for  a  long  and  tedious  jour- 
ney. The  new  comer  was  Jacques  Godefroy  de 
MarboDuf,  whose  kindred,  Godefroy  de  Linctot, 
and  Godefroy  de  Tonnancour,  had  come  to  Canada 
in  1636.  Left  an  orphan  at  a  tender  age,  he  had 
been  brought  up  by  his  eldest  sister,  the  wife  of 
Trotier  des  Ruisseaux,  the  sister-in-law  of  De 
Tonty  and  DeBellestre,  two  French  Commandants 
of  Fort  Pontchartrain.  It  was  the  English  pol- 
icy to  conciliate  the  French  element  who  were 
placed  in  a  strange  and  trying  position,  like 
prisoners  on  capitulation,  and  w^ho  preserved 
neutral  ground  in  the  quarrel  between  the  Eng- 
lish and  Indians.  Godefroy' s  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  Indian  habits  and  customs,  his  love 
of  adventure  and  his  family  connection,  had 
made  him  an  invaluable  acquisition  to  Gladwyn. 
He  and  Maj.  Chapoton  had  been  sent  to  try  their 
influence  on  Pontiac,  but  in  vain,  and  it  was  at 
the  request  of  the  chief  (Pontiac)  himself  that 
Godefroy  was  now  going  to  the  country  of  the 
Illinois,  where  a  French  soldier.  Monsieur  de 
Leon,  still  retained  command,  the  object  being 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


106 


to  bring  the  officer  or  another  influential  one  to 
convince  the  Indians  that  France  had  no  longer 
claims  on  Detroit — a  delusion  they  fondly  cher- 
islied  and  in  which  they  were  encouraged  by 
many  of  the  French  habitants. 

(xladwyn  seemed  to  approve  of  the  project, 
and  had  been  waiting  to  give  Godefroy  a  few 
instructions  before  he  started  out  with  Mesnil 
Chesne.  Godefroy  commended  to  the  officer's 
care  his  infant  son  and  his  young  relative,  Made- 
leine de  Tonnancour,  and  started  on  his  hazard- 
ous journey.* 

Madeleine  de  Tonnancour  was  an  orphan  and 
had  been  educated  at  the  Ursuline  Convent  at 
Quebec.  Endowed  with  great  personal  beauty, 
and  possessing  more  than  the  i^3ual  accomplish- 
ments of  the  Canadian  girl,  she  became  the 
belle  of  the  gay  capital  of  New  France.  At  a 
ball  she  met  the  dashing  officer,  Capt.  Dalzell, 
then  attached  to  Sir  Jeffrey  Amherst's  staff ; 
it  was  a  case  of  love  at  first  sight.  Madeleine's 
friends  who  bitterly  resented  the  invasion  of  the 
English,  opposed  the  idea  of  her  marriage  with 
an  English  officer,  and  being  a  minor  and  there- 
fore subject  to  the  control  of  her  relatives  she 
was  obliged  to  succumb  to  her  fate.    She  entered 

*Infant  son  was  afterwards  Col.  Gabriel  Godefroy,  for  forty 
jcars  in  the  American  service  as  Indian  Agent  and  interpreter. 


■ifS 


4( 


t     1' 

! 

t     1 

1- 

« 

i. 

1' , 

L -t« 


106 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


a  convent,  but  having  no  vocation  conceived  the 
romantic  plan  of  burying  herself  with  relatives 
who  resided  in  the  far  off  frontier  post,  the 
Detroit  of  Erie.  Here  she  arrived  just  as  the 
Indian  troubles  were  commencing.  The  society 
of  the  little  colony  was  far  different  from  that 
of  the  gay  capital,  and  no  doubt  moments  of 
regret  came  for  her  hasty  act  of  self -exile. 

Gladwyn  would  occasionally  call  at  Madame 
des  Ruisseaux's,  at  whose  house  on  Ste.  Anne's 
street  Madeleine  resided,  and  he  would  try  and 
soothe  the  ladies'  apprehensions.  For  the  times 
were  critical,  and  it  required  a  brave  and  cour- 
ageous heart  to  witness  the  fearful  sights  of 
which  they  were  powerless  spectators.  Ghostly 
processions  of  massacred  captives  would  float 
down  on  the  river  past  the  fort  during  the  day, 
while  night  was  robbed  of  its  darknes3  by  the  fire- 
rafts  sent  by  the  wily  Indian  to  destroy  the  two 
small  vessels,  the  only  hope  of  the  beleagured 
garrison.  Gradually  Gladwyn' s  visits  became 
more  frequent,  and  it  was  soon  evident  that  the 
English  officer  found  his  chief  pleasure  and 
forgot  his  i)recarious  position  in  the  smiles  of 
the  beautiful  Madeleine.  She  was  flattered  by 
his  attentions,  and  his  society  beguiled  many  an 
anxious  hour.  But  when  he  laid  his  heart  at  her 
disposal  she  turned  a  deaf  ear  to  his  entreaties^ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


lor 


becoming  more  distant  in  her  intercourse  with 
him.  Possessing  a  nature  not  easily  balked  in 
its  purpose,  he  determined  to  find  the  cause  of 
his  rejection,  and  leave  no  means  unturned  to- 
secure  her. 

Matters  stood  thus  when  one  sultry  July  day, 
Godef roy  returning,  reported  himself  to  Gladwyn^ 
He  was  well  received  by  the  officer,  though  he 
brought  news  of  the  ill  success  of  his  mission. 
Gladwyn  then  spoke  of  his  affection  for  Mile,  de 
Tonnancour,  and  tried  to  enlist  the  sympathy  of 
Godef  roy  and  his  influence  with  his  beautiful 
relative,  holding  forth  promises  of  interest,  etc. 
Godefroy,  much  surprised,  refused,  but  couched 
his  reply  in  terms  as  courteous  as  possible,  Glad- 
wyn's  habits  of  life  being  well  known.  He  spoke 
also  of  the  enmity  which  he  would  incur  from 
Madeleine's  relatives,  who  might  think  he  had 
thus  purchased  advancement.  Gladwyn  turned 
haughtily  away,  saying  something  which  roused 
the  blood  of  the  Frenchman,  who,  forgetting  the 
habitual  prudence  and  policy  used  by  the  habit- 
ants in  their  intercourse  with  the  English,  made 
a  bitter  retort  and  left  the  officer's  quarters. 
That  same  evening  Gladwyn  penned  an  epistle 
to  Sir  William  Johnson  in  which  he  made  a^ 
most  sweeping  assertion,  imputing  to  the  French, 


li 


-Fi 


1" 

:    ''3 

ii 

i 

1 

III 

iiiiyi 

1 

108 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


and  particularly  to  Grodefroy  and  his  friends,  the 
blame  for  the  Indian  outbreak. 

On  Godefroy's  return  to  his  sister's,  he  re- 
marked that  he  would  have  to  be  cautious  and 
be  ready  to  leave  the  fort  at  a  moment's  warning, 
for,  said  he,  "I  noticed  from  the  glitter  of  the 
Major's  steel  gray  eyes  that  mischief  is  in  store 
for  me,"  and  related  the  interview  with  Gladwyn. 

Poor  Madeleine  was  in  despair  feeling  as  if 
she  was  born  under  an  unlucky  star  to  bring 
misfortune  upon  all,  and  kept  secluded  for  sev- 
eral days.  One  evening  at  twilight  tired  of  the 
house  she  determined  to  stroll  out.  Passing  the 
water-gate  she  sauntered  towards  the  Rigolet 
des  Hurons  (Savoyard)  that  flowed  back  of  the 
pickets.  On  its  sloping  banks  was  a  stately  oak, 
within  whose  hollow  trunk  a  pious  hand  had 
placed  an  image  of  the  Virgin,  for  the  spot  was 
pointed  out  by  tradition  as  the  place  where  the 
saintly  Father  Constantin  had  been  murdered 
many  years  before.  As  she  walked  along  she 
noticed  the  new  moon  over  her  right  shoulder — a 
lucky  omen,  she  thought — and  remembered  that 
in  the  morning  whilst  sadly  musing  on  her  mis- 
fortunes a  little  wren,*  the  bird  "au  Bon  Dieu," 

*  This  bird  was  fabled  to  have  brought  fire  from  Heaven  to 
earth.  He  brings  good  fortune,  and  he  who  tears  down  his  nest 
brings  the  fire  of  Heaven  on  his  own  household. 


■<  \ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


109 


had  come  to  build  its  nest  under  her  dormer 
window. 

We  are  prismatic  in  our  nature  and  reflect 
every  varying  mood  of  our  surroundings.  Can 
it  be  wondered  at,  that  those  brought  up  in  the 
wild,  half  savage  life  of  the  frontier,  caught  that 
tinge  of  the  supernatural  which  hides  in  the 
heart  of  primeval  forests,  blends  itself  in  the 
myths  of  the  Indians,  and  appeals  to  that  super- 
stition which  lurks  in  every  heart,  investing 
each  freak  of  nature,  every  unusual  occurrence, 
with  an  occult  and  mystic  meaning  %  Thus,  to 
one  of  Madeleine's  temperament,  nature  could 
never  be  mute.  Should  a  little  flake  of  snow 
suddenly  dart  across  her  path,  it  was  the  soul  of 
an  unbaptized  infant,  she  thought,  condemned 
to  wander.  If  a  white  pigeon  flew  near  and 
was  exceptionally  tame,  it  was  the  soul  of  seme 
departed  friend  for  whose  repose  she  had  forgot- 
ten to  pray.  The  cheerful  cricket  on  the  heartA 
must  be  welcomed,  for  he  brought  joy  and  peace  ; 
the  little  swallow  could  always  bring  you  a  stone 
that  would  restore  sight  to  the  blind,  and  any 
young  girl  whose  heart  was  pure  could,  by 
touching  the  flower  marigold  with  her  bare,  dim- 
pled foot  on  a  certain  night,  understand  the 
language  of  birds.  Nor  did  the  fair  maiden 
shriek  out  when  the  industrious  spider,  whose 


-J 

■ 

• 

'  r:i 

' 

■    \ 
\     1 


110 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


web  extended  across  the  ancient  rafters,  drop- 
ped on  her  plump  neck,  for  it  was  a  sign  of 
money  coming.  And  whosoever  heard  the  first 
cuckoo  of  spring  singing  was  sure  to  keep  safe 
what  money  he  possessed  the  rest  of  the  year. 
Madeleine  knelt  before  the  humble  shrine  and 
besought  her  Heavenly  Mother  to  obtain  from 
her  Divine  Son  guidance  out  of  her  troubles. 

With  a  lighter  heart  she  rose  from  her  devo- 
tions and  turned  her  steps  homeward.  Suddenly  a 
hooting  owl  ilew  past  her,  muttering  its  dismal 
sound,  and  the  distant  mournful  notes  of  a  toll- 
ing bell  fell  on  her  ear.  A  prophetic  feeling  of 
impending  woe  seized  her.  Ere  she  had  time  to 
analyze  the  sensation  the  cannon  of  the  fort 
thundered  forth  and  was  instantly  answered  by 
a  salute  from  the  water. 

Hastening  her  steps  she  saw  coming  up  the 
river  a  long  line  of  batteaux  crowded  with  men, 
proclaiming  that  at  last  the  expected  relief  hiid 
come.  The  troops  landed  and  were  warmly  wel- 
comed by  the  garrison,  and  she  heard  the  name 
of  Dalzell,*  which  fell  like  a  bright  ray  on  the 
dark  drapery  of  her  forebodings.  As  soon  as 
Dalzell  learnt  that  Madeleine  was  in  the  fort, 
accompanied  by  Gladwyn  he  sought  her  presence. 
The  blushing  cheek  and  gladsome  light  which 

*Dalzell  is  pronounced  Dalyell. 


Ml 


i.- 


Legenda  of  Le  Detroit. 


Ill 


lighted  up  the  dark  eye  revealed  to  the  Com- 
mandant why  he  had  pleaded  in  vain.  He  soon 
took  his  leave,  and  Madeleine  laid  her  troubles 
before  her  lover.  ''We  shall  now  put  an  end  to 
all  this,"  he  answered.  "I  have  three  hundred 
veterans,  and  with  the  Major's  permission  will 
soon  demonstrate  the  folly  of  remaining  here 
pent  up  at  the  behest  of  the  savages."  "  Alas  !  " 
replied  she,  "you  know  not  the  craft  nor  the 
power  of  this  Indian  chieftain.  Besides,  I  have 
a  strange  presentiment  that  if  you  undertake  so 
hazardous  a  project  we  shall  never  meet  again." 
In  vain  he  tried  with  all  a  soldier's  ardor  added 
to  a  lover' s  tenderness,  to  lull  her  fears ;  but  a 
vague,  inexplicable  something  seemed  to  warn 
her  that  this  was  their  last  meeting  on  earth. 

The  graphic  pen  of  history  has  chronicled  the 
result  and  verified  the  girl's  apprehensions — how 
the  consent  of  Gladwyn  was  apparently  reluc- 
tantly given  ;  the  early  march  at  dawn  of  Dalzell 
and  his  men  to  Pontiac's  camp;  the  ambus- 
cade that  he  fell  into,  and  how  the  waters  of 
Bloody  Run  were  crimsoned  by  the  blood  of  his 
brave  soldiers ;  and  finally  the  heroic  death  of 
the  gallant  Dalzell  in  trying  to  save  a  wounded 
comrade.  When  the  terrible  news  was  brought  to 
Madeleine  she  nobly  dried  her  tears  while  trying 
to  alleviate  the  sufferings  of  the  wounded  which 


,    ■■ 


1  ■ 


i  ' 


■  % 

',1 


•^  I 


M-   .^'-t 


;>  J 


ii  I 


"   i  i 


!         Ill 


112 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


each  boat  brought  to  the  fort.  Overhearing  some 
one  say  that  Dalzell'  s  head  was  placed  on  a  picket, 
she  lost  v'onsciousness,  and  ere  many  days  had 
passed  had  j  jined  her  lover  in  a  better  land.  Glad- 
wyn  seemec.  ever  after  like  one  on  whose  mind 
some  great  burden  of  sorrow  was  resting.  His 
bitterness  towards  the  French  increased,  and  on 
Bradstreet's  arrival  Godefroy  was  found  under 
arrest  and  condemned  to  death  by  a  court  martial 
on  the  grounds  of  having  incited  the  Indians  to 
revolt.  He  was  released  on  condition  of  acting 
as  interpreter  to  an  English  officer,  whose  expe- 
dition to  the  Illinois  country  probably  saved  the 
British  army  from  destruction. 

The  stately  tree  on  Jefferson  avenue  known  as 
the  Pontiac  Oak,  is  all  that  is  left  to  remind  one 
of  that  bloody  romance;  the  stream  itself  has 
disappeared. 


LE  LOUP  GAROU. 


>- 
h 


XVI 


V 

1 

t 

,,  i 

• 

■ 

i 

I  \ 

i     1 

I   y-i 


A  Legrend  of  Grosse  Fointe. 

ANY  years  before  Com- 
modore Grant,  formerly  in 
command  of  a  British  ves- 
sel on  Lake  Erie*  built  his 
great  castle  at  Grosse 
Pointe,  a  trapj)er  named 
Simonet  had  settled  near 
there  on  the  margin  ofthe  lake. 

His  young  wife  had  faded  away  in  the  early 
years  of  their  married  life,  but  as  if  in  compen- 
sation, had  left  the  little  jjrattler  Archange  to 
wean  him  from  his  grief  and  to  cheer  his  lone- 
liness.     And  the  strong,  hardy  man,  with  his 

*Erie  in  the  Huron  language  signifies  cat. 
8 


lU 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


sunburnt  face  and  brawny  arms  hardened  by 
toil  and  exposure,  in  his  yearning  love  for  his 
child,  learned  to  soften  his  rough  manners  and 
soothe  her  with  the  gentle  ways  of  a  woman. 
Anxiously  he  watched  the  unfolding  of  his 
"pretty  flower,"  as  he  called  her,  and  with  a 
solicitude  touching  in  its  simple  pathos,  he  would 
select  the  softest  skin  of  the  bear  to  keep  her 
feet  warm,  search  for  the  brightest  wings  of  tlie 
bird  to  adorn  her  hat.  When  she  grew  uj)  he 
taught  her  to  skin  the  beaver,  muskrat  and  'eer 
which  he  brought  home,  and  to  stretch  them  out 
on  the  drying  frame  near  the  house.  He  was 
w^ont  to  boast  that  no  one  could  excel  Archange 
preparing  the  poisson  blanc  (whitefish),  poisson 
dore  (pickerel;,  or  give  that  peculiar  shade  of 
brown  which  is  in  itself  an  art,  to  the  savory 
cochon  an  lait  (sucking  pig). 

She  was  as  light-hearted  as  the  cricket  that 
chirped  on  the  hearth,  and  her  cheery  voice  could 
be  heard  caroling  away  to  the  music  of  her  spin- 
ning wheel.  In  the  long  winter  evenings  her 
deft  lingers  would  plait  the  straw  into  hats  which 
found  a  ready  sale,  and  which,  added  to  the  sum 
she  gained  by  her  knitted  socks  and  dried  corn, 
enabled  her  to  secure  many  little  articles  that 
her  vanity  suggested  to  enhance  hex  charms. 
Por  the  Canadian  girl,  in  the  rude  surroundings 


't'-if        III! 

■!r  I'll.'. .   r 


'^ 


Legends  of  Le  Dttroit, 


115 


of  her  forest  home,  was  as  anxious  to  please 
and  bewitch  by  her  toilet  as  her  more  favored 
Parisian  sister ;  the  instincts  of  the  sex  still 
lived  in  the  wilderness.  At  the  corn-hnskings 
and  dances  on  the  greensward  Archange  was  the 
reigning  belle,  and  held  her  little  court  of  home- 
spun dressed  youths  fascinated  by  the  magic  of 
lier  dark  eyes,  her  brunette  com})lexion  with 
its  warm  glow,  her  raven  tresses  and  piquante 
tongue.  Many  admiring  eyes  followed  her  lithe 
form  as  she  tripped  in  marvelous  rapidity  "la 
jig  a  deux,"  or  as  she  changed  into  the  more 
graceful,  swaying  motion  of  "la  dance  ronde." 

Pierre  La  Fontaine,  a  young  farmer,  wooed 
the  fair  Archange,  and  the  light  of  happiness 
wliicli  crept  into  the  dark,  winsome  eyes*  shyly 
raised  to  his  in  answer,  told  him  he  had  not 
pleaded  in  vain.  Simonet  gave  his  consent  and 
blessed  them,  rejoicing  in  the  happiness  of  his 
child.  On  bright  moonlight  nights  Pien*e  would 
come  to  take  his  fair  fiancee  out  for  a  row.  Im- 
pelled by  his  sinewy  arm,  merrily  would  the 
fi-agile  canoe  dance  along  on  the  rippling  waters 
lit  up  by  elfish  moonbeams,  and  the  lovers  would 
talk  about  the  wedding,  which  was  soon  to  take 
place,  for  Pierre's  new  cabin  that  he  was  build- 
ing for  his  "  bonnie  bride"  was  nearly  completed, 
almost  a  mile  distant  from  hi"  father's,  where 


; 


110 


Legends  of  Le  l^etroit. 


the  willows  stooped  so  low  that  their  graceful 
tresses  touched  the  water.  Archange  would  tell 
him  of  the  red  cow  her  god-father  had  i)roniised 
her,  and  the  additions  to  their  humble  menage 
her  god-mother  had  made.* 

One  evening  as  Pierre  placed  Archange  on  the 
beach  near  her  home  and  she  lingered,  following 
him  with  her  loving  eyes  as  he  swiftly  rowed 
away  until  he  had  disappeared  and  only  the  faint 
echo  of  his  Cimadian  boat  song  floated  towards  her, 
she  was  startled  by  a  rustling  sound  near  by. 
Looking  up  a  wild  shriek  escaped  her,  for  a  mon- 
ster with  a  wolf's  head  and  an  enormous  tail, 
walking  erect  as  a  human  being,  crossed  her  path. 
Quickly  the  cabin  door  was  thrown  open  by  Sim- 
onet,  who  had  been  roused  by  his  daughter's 
scream.  Archange  flew  into  her  father' s  anns  and 
pointed  to  the  spot  where  she  had  seen  the  mon- 
ster, but  the  animal  surprised  by  the  light,  had 
fled  into  the  woods.  Simonet's  face  grew  pale  as 
Archange  described,  as  accurately  as  her  fears  had 
allowed  her  to  see,  the  apparition,  and  he  recog- 
nized the  dreaded  Loup  G-arou.f    He  quieted  her, 

*It  was  customary  for  the  god-mother,  to  give  the  bride  the 
necessary  articles  lor  a  bedroom,  hence  the  term  "lachambre 
game"  (the  furnished  room),  "  le  lit  garni "  (the  furnished  bed). 

f  The  terra  Loup  Garou.  Its  Latin  equivalent  in  the  Middle 
Age  was  gerulphus.      The  German  wer-wolf  and  English  were- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


117 


and  soon  with  the  hai)py  faculty  youth  has  of 
fori'<'tting  disagreeable  things  she  was  dreaming 
of  Pierre  and  her  wedding.  Long  after  the  girl 
8le])t  Simonet  sat  musing.  He  lit  his  pi])e  seek- 
ing ('onii)anionship  in  liis  thoughts.  That  it  was 
tlie  Ijoup  Garou  or  wehr-wolf  Arehange  had  seen 
lie  did  not  doubt,  and  he  recalled  vM  the  tradi- 
tions of  his  youth,  how  the  dreaded  monster  h;id 
stolen  young  children  ;  sometimes  a  young  man 
would  be  inveigled  away  into  the  forest  and 
never  lieard  of  afterwards,  and  his  fate  conjec- 
tured by  some,  having  seen  the  wolf  dressed  in 
his  clothes.      It    was    for   young    maidens    he 

wolf  have  the  same  meaning.  Oservais  de  Tilbury  in  his  Oisior- 
ti's  Tniperiales  gives  the  following  explanation:  "We  have 
freciucntly  seen  in  England,"  says  he,  "under  the  influence  of 
certain  conditions,  men  transformed  into  wolves,  species  of  men 
called  by  the  French  garous  (gerulphus),  and  the  English,  were- 
wolf." Were  in  English  signifies  man,  and  wolf,  loup — man-wolf. 
In  Longfellow's  Evangeline  the  following  relative  to  the  Loup 
Garou  and  other  old  Norman  superstitions  is  found: 

"  He  was  beloved  by  all,  and  most  of  all  by  the  children, 
For  he  told  them  tales  of  the  Loup  Garou  in  the  forest. 
And  of  the  goblin  that  came  in  the  night  to  water  the  horses, 
And  of  the  White  Leticlie,  the  ghost  of  a  child  who  unchris- 

tened 
Died,  and  was  doomed  to  haunt  unseen  the  chambers  of  chil- 
dren, 
And  how  on  Christmas  Eve  the  oxen  talked  in  the  stable, 
And  l.\ow  the  fever  was  cured  by  a  spider  shut  up  in  a  nut- 
shell. 
And  of  the  marvelous  powers  of  four-leaved  clovers  and 

horse-shoes, 
With  whatever  else  was  writ  in  the  lore  of  the  village." 


i 


(-,      i% 


■it!H 


118 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


showed  the  greatest  fondness,  and  "  it  boded  no 
good  to  her  whose  path  he  crossed."  Several 
attempts  had  been  made  to  kill  the  beast,  yet  all 
failed  and  it  was  thought  he  bore  a  charmed  life. 
But  one  adventurous  hunter  determined  to  try 
his  skill,  so  he  molded  a  bullet  from  silver  coin 
and  patiently  waited  for  his  victim  "  to  cross  his 
path."  The  charmed  missile  sped  towards  its 
destination  and  instead  of  killing  the  monster 
only  severed  his  tail,  which  was  secured,  dried 
and  stuffed.  It  was  the  wonder  of  the  whole 
country,  and  was  worshiped  for  years  by  the 
Indians  as  a  powerful  fetich.  Simonet  hoped  all 
would  be  well,  still  a  strange  feeling  came  over 
him  like  a  presentiment,  which  in  vain  he  tried 
to  shake  off. 

The  wedding  day  at  last  dawned,  the  sun 
shone  brightly  and  all  nature  seemed  to  smile  on 
the  fair  bride  of  that  day.  Archange,  arrayed 
in  her  simple  dress  of  white  batiste,  was  a 
charming  picture  of  innocence  and  beauty.  Go- 
ing into  the  woods  to  gather  her  bouquet  of  wild 
flowers,  "the  Garou  again  crossed  her  path,"  but 
this  time  she  forgot  her  fears  in  her  sense  of  the 
ludicrous  at  the  figure  of  the  beast,  which  had 
robbed  some  habitant  of  his  coat  and  hat,  and 
had  carefully  tucked  his  tail  away.  In  his  hand 
he  held  a  cane,  which  he  twisted  in  a  nonchalant 


Lcijends  of  Le  Detroit. 


119 


...I 


manner ;  lie  was  a  fair  caricature  of  a  Parisian 
(Ijindy.  oeeing  she  did  not  tiy  in  terror,  he  was 
encouraged  to  give  her  a  lovesick  leer  disi)laying 
his  wolfish  tongue  and  teeth.  Scattering  her 
flowers,  Archange  tied  and  arrived  breathlessly 
home  just  in  time  to  slam  the  door  on  the  wolf, 
wliich  had  pursued  he^  there. 

Soon  after  she  joined  Pierre  and  hand  in  hand, 
followed  by  all  the  habitants  in  their  holiday 
attire,  they  entered  the  little  church  of  logs  hewn 
square,  the  interstices  chinked  in  with  clay,  the 
roof  of  overlapping  strips  of  bark.  In  front  of 
the  altar,  decorated  with  llowers  arranged  by 
loving  hands,  they  knelt.  Father  Freshet,  who 
iiiid  baptized  Pierre  and  Archange  and  prepared 
them  for  their  first  communion,  now  came  to 
unite  them  in  the  holy  bonds  of  matrimony. 
After  the  ceremony  they  went  to  the  sacristy 
and  inscribed  their  names  in  the  registry,  then 
hurried  oif  to  Pierre's  new  house,  where  the 
festivities  were  to  take  i:)lace.  On  the  green 
lawn  in  front  of  her  new  cabin  the  blushing 
Archange  greeted  all  her  friends.  The  Seigneur 
of  the  neighborhood  came  to  claim  the  right  of 
premier  baiser  (first  kiss).  The  refreshments 
were  in  abundance  and  all  gave  themselves  up  to 
the  enjoymeL  J  of  the  moment,  for  the  Canadians 


■4 


vfi 


1 


120 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


dearly  loved  a  wedding  and  kept  up  'ts  festivi- 
ties for  days. 

Whilst  the  merry  making  was  at  its  height  the 
dreaded  Garou  with  a  rush  like  the  wind  sprang 
into  their  midst,  seized  Archange  and  escaped 
with  her  into  the  forest.  All  were  paralyzed  by 
the  sudden,  daring  deed.  But  Pierre  recover- 
ing, started  in  quick  pursuit  guided  by  the 
despairing  cry  of  Archange,  followed  by  all  the 
men,  whilst  the  women  and  children  said  their 
prayers  and  gave  vent  to  loua  lamentations. 
Long  after  the  shadows  had  fal'en  they  returned 
to  report  to  the  anxious,  treriibling  crowd,  and 
their  sad,  dejected  faces  spoke  of  the  fruit- 
lessnes«  of  their  search.  The  monster  had  baf- 
fled them.  But  Pierre  returned  not.  He  was 
shortly  after  found  by  his  friends  wandering 
around  and  around  a  swamp,  and  clutching  a 
piece  of  white  batiste.  When  questioned  as  to 
how  he  had  obtained  this  clue  to  Archange,  he 
returned  a  maniacal  stare  and  with  a  blood-cur- 
dling shriek,  would  haAM»  j;ii>^ped  into  the  swamp 
if  he  had  not  been  held  back  by  liis  companions, 
who  with  sorrowful  accents  said  "La  folie  du 
bois."  He  would  always  return  to  the  same 
swamp,  remaining  there  for  hours  gazing  vacant- 
ly in  the  weird  reflections  in  its  slimy,  stagnant 
waters,  until  some  friend  led  him  home. 


.<?S 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


121* 


At  the  marriage  of  his  sister,  which  occurred 
about  a  year  afterwards,  Pierre,  always  dead  to 
the  outside  world,  seemed  to  be  roused  by  the 
preparations.  After  the  ceremony  he  rushed  into 
the  woods  as  if  in  pursuit  of  something.  He 
did  not  return  until  nearly  sunset  when  he  was 
seen,  with  wild  eyes,  flying  hair,  his  clothes  torn 
as  if  by  briers,  chasing  a  Loup  Garou  to  the  very 
edge  of  the  lake.  All  stood  petrified  by  the 
strange  apparition  and  feared  a  repetition  of 
Archange's  fate.      But  the  animal. 


seeing 


no 


escape,  stood  on  one  of  the  boulders  strewn 
along  the  shore  and  stretched  out  his  arms  as 
if  beckoning  to  some  mysterious  one.  A  large 
cat-lish  was  seen  to  rise  on  the  surface  of  the 
water  and  opening  its  mouth  the  Loup  Garou 
vanished ;  and  to  this  day  no  Canadian  will  eat 
catfish.  The  footprint  of  the  wolf  is  still  shown 
at  Grosse  Pointe  indelibly  impressed  on  one  of 
the  boulders. 


THE  OLD  RED  MILL. 


A  Legend  of  the  Engrlish  Rule. 


IN  THE  former  district  of  Springwells  (at  th& 
foot  of  24th  street),  the  present  city  of  De- 
troit, in  1795,  stood  an  old  red  mill.  It  was 
circular  in  form,  and  had  a  stone  foundation  sup- 
porting an  upright  wooden  body,  with  a  conical 
roof. 

It  was  a  weird  sight  <>n  a  moonlight  night  with 
its  long  arms  stretched  out  as  if  beseeching 
aid,  and  its  tattered  sails  drooping  mournfully 
telling  its  melancholy  story  like  a  flag  at  half- 
mast.  The  beholder  involuntarily  felt  that  creep- 
ing shudder  of  awe  which  contact  with  the  myste- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


12a 


rious  calls  forth.  There  are  buildings  like  human 
beings  upon  which  nature  places  her  signet, — a 
history. 

The  Indian,  as  he  returned  from  his  day's  hunt- 
ing, ladened  with  the  trophies  of  his  skill,  pushed 
his  canoe  out  into  the  stream  far  from  its  shadow. 
The  gay,  joyous  voices  in  the  pleasure  boats  of 
the  officers  of  Fort  Lenoult  were  hushed  as  they 
silently  glided  by,  and  the  coureur  des  bois  who 
had  faced  untold  dangers,  devoutly  crossed  him- 
self as  the  old  red  mill  rose  in  view  on  his  return 
from  his  distant  and  perilous  expeditions.  On 
winter  evenings,  under  the  genial  waraith  of  a 
hickory  log  and  the  soothing  influence  of  his  d- 
dre  au  charbon^  the  old  habitant  would  tell  to  his 
children,  who  listened  with  bated  breath,  the 
legend  of  the  old  red  mill. 

Many  years  before,  when  the  English  under  Col. 
Rogers,  had  taken  possession  of  Detroit,  there 
lived  at  the  mill  a  Canadian  family  who  had 
adopted  a  daughter  of  the  tribe  of  Pontiac.  She 
was  beloved  by  a  British  officer,  but  belonging  to 
the  Ottawas  whose  haughty  chief  was  disposed  to 
rtsist  the  new  comers,  and  residing  among  the 
French  who  looked  suspiciously  at  the  invaders, 
waiting  to  see  if  the  promises  made  in  the  treaty 
would  be  ratified  (a  suspicion  which  subsequent 
events  proved  not  without  cause),  it  is  not  to  be 


124 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


supposed  that  tlie  course  of  true  love  could  run 
smoothly.  Yet  love,  which  laughs  in  the  face  of  all 
danger  and  is  i)rolific  in  resources,  soon  found  a 
means  by  which  the  lovers  could  meet.  It  was 
agreed  upon  by  them  that  a  signal  should  be  given 
when  there  was  no  danger  of  a  suiprise, — a  lighted 
candle  to  be  placed  in  her  window  ;  quickly  then 
would  the  officer  obey  the  summons  of  his  lady 
love. 

Wasson,*  a  warrior  of  the  Saginaws,  allies  of 
Pontiac,  had  long  loved  the  fair  maiden  and  had 
laid  at  her  feet  the  trophies  of  the  chase,  but  the 
Indian  girl  saw  them  not,  nor  heard  his  i)lead- 
ings,  for  her  ears  yearned  for  the  sound  of  another 
voice  whose  soft  accents  had  nestled  in  her  heart 
like  hushed  music.  Wounded  by  his  rejection, 
the  brave  sought  the  cause,  found  it,  and  courted 
revenge  as  his  companion.  Watching  his  oppor- 
tunity when  the  girl  was  alone,  he  upbraided  her 
for  having  forgotten  her  duties  as  an  Indian 
maiden  and  for  deserting  the  traditions  of  her  race, 
and  raising  his  tomahawk  told  her  that  she  should 
pay  the  penalty  of  her  treason  with  her  life.  As 
the  savage' s  arm  descended  the  girl  sank  deluged 
in  her  blood.  The  Indian  had  not  completed  the 
sacrifice  ;  one  more  victim  his  revenge  demanded. 
He  lighted  the  candle,  the  secret  of  which  he  had 


*A  noted  warrior,  Wasson  or  Warsong. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


125 


learned,  and  patiently  waited.  Splasliin(jf  oars  and 
a  low  cautious  call  soon  told  him  that  the  lover 
had  obeyed  the  beacon  of  love.  The  savage  glut- 
ted over  liis  success  and  waited  breathlessly  with 
weapon  poised  to  hurl  at  his  intended  victim  as  he 
oi)ened  the  door,  when  suddenly  other  footsteps 
were  heard  proclaiming  the  return  of  the  family. 
In  the  general  confusion  which  ensued  on  the  dis- 
covery of  the  murder  the  Indian  slipped  away 
unnoticed,  balked  for  the  time  of  half  of  his  re- 
venge. The  lifeless  remains  of  the  lovely  victim 
were  tenderly  laid  to  rest.  The  officer  sought  in 
the  busy  strife  of  the  period  to  forget  his  grief, 
but  the  Indian's  revenge  only  slumbered,  and 
shortly  afterwards  the  officer  was  basely  murdered 
by  him  while  he  was  detained  as  a  hostage  at  Pon- 
tiac's  camp  at  Bloody  Kun.* 

The  mill  was  afterwards  deserted,  but  the  lonely 
wayfarer  who  passed  there  at  night  whispered 
strange  stories  of  its  being  haunted  by  an  Indian 
maiden  who  stood  at  a  window  with  a  lighted 
candle.  .        . 

*Col.  Campbell,  who  had  gone  with  Lt.  George  McDougall  to 
Pontiac's  camp;  McDougall  escaped. 


LA  CHASSE  GALERIE. 


A  Legrend  of  the  Canadian  Shore. 

THERE  is  a  strange  resemblance  in  the  legends 
of  the  different  countries  which  leads  one  to 
believe  that  they  derive  their  source  from  the 
same  fountain.  History  places  its  signet  on 
some,  mythology  throws  its  classic  veil  over  oth- 
ers, while  the  rest,  like  floating  islands  which 
ever  and  anon  appear  as  bits  of  stray  fairy-land 
in  our  large  bodies  of  water,  dazzle  us  by  their 
beauty,  charm  us  by  their  uniqueness,  and  glide 
away  as  magically  as  they  came  to  seek  a  shel- 
tered nook  in  some  picturesque  haven.  So  with 
regard  to  many  of  these  legends  once  current 
.along   "La  Cote  du  Nord"*  history  is  silent. 

*  *'  La  Cote  du  Norl."   The  name  by  which  that  section  lying 
«a8t  of  what  is  now  Woodward  avenue  was  called. 


I 


B-1        ! 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


127 


The  charming  ideas  conveyed  in  them  seem  akin 
to  the  classic,  but  it  is  only  in  the  memory  of 
some  old  habitante  who  has  outlived  her  age  and 
generation  that  they  iind  a  revered  niche.  Seated 
by  the  side  of  one  of  these,  whose  hair  the  frosts 
of  ninety  years  have  bleached,  and  who  has  never 
left  the  banks  of  the  beautiful  lake  where  she 
first  drew  the  breath  of  life,  one  can  pick  up 
many  of  these  legends,  carelessly  thrown  aside 
by  this  progressive  age. 

Among  the  traditions  related  by  this  survivor 
of  a  past  generation,  the  best  known  and  oldest 
is  that  of  "La  Chasse Galerie,"  or  "The  Spectral 
Aerial  Hunt."  Many  honest,  upright  people  still 
living  will  testify  to  having  seen  this  phenomenon 
at  some  period  of  their  lives.  It  does  not  always 
appear  under  the  same  form.  Sometimes  a  canoe 
is  visible,  manned  by  twelve  men,  and  in  its  i)row 
is  a  dog  whose  incessant  barking  attracts  the  at- 
tention of  the  person  who  is  to  see  the  vision. 
Always  to  the  north  flies  the  phantom  boat.  At 
other  times  dogs  of  a  shaggy  black,  with  droop- 
ing ears,  are  constantly  seen  running  on  the 
water,  barking  as  if  in  the  scent  of  game.  Once 
in  seven  years  a  solitary  horseman,  with  gaunt, 
bronzed  face,  rifle  in  hand,  followed  by  his  pack 
of  dogs,  is  seen  in  the  sky  after  sunset.     He  who 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


sees  the  "chassegalerie*"  knows  that  it  betokens 
death  either  to  himself  or  to  others  dear  to  him. 

There  once  dwelt  at  Askin  Pointe,  on  the  Cana- 
dian shore,  a  Nimrod  of  the  forest  called  Sebas- 
tien  Lacelle.  So  devoted  to  the  chase  was  he  that 
his  friends  said  that  lie  was  born  with  a  gun  in 
his  hand,  and  no  persuasion  of  theirs  could  in- 
duce him  to  join  them  in  other  sports.  For 
weeks  at  a  time  he  would  be  gone,  and  then 
return  laden  with  game.  After  one  of  these  ex- 
cursions it  was  noticed  that  Sebastien  was  more 
silent  than  usual,  had  little  to  say  of  his  hair- 
breadth escapes,  nor  did  he  boast,  as  was  his 
wont,  of  the  fruits  of  his  trusty  ritle. 

The  mystery  was  soon  solved.  One  day,  tired 
and  weary,  baffled  by  a  deer  he  was  pursuing, 
Sebastien  came  to  a  cabin  in  the  woods.  A 
young  girl  was  caressing  a  deer  and  d  ef tly  dress- 
ing a  wound  in  its  side.  Sebastien  recognized  it 
as  the  one  at  which  he  had  shot.  She  was  Zoo  de 
Mersac,  who  had  accompanied  her  father  to  help 
him  extract  the  maple  syrup  from  the  trees.  In 
the  magic  witchcraft  of  her  smile  Sebastien  buried 
his  heart.  Zoe  admired  the  strong  arm  and  the 
vigorous  manhood  which  could  shield  her  from 
the  rough  blasts  of  the  world. 

*  Galerie  is  a  corruption  of  galere,  a  low,  flat  built  vessel  with 
one  deck,  and  propelled  by  sails  or  oars. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


129 


It  was  on  a  glorious  September  day  that  Sebas- 
tien  and  Zoe  were  stroUini?  along  the  beach, 
disoiis.^Ing  the  morrow,  which  was  to  be  their 
wedding  day.  Zoe  was  p,ossessed  of  a  highly 
nervous  organization  which,  like  the  jEolian  harp, 
is  played  upon  by  each  passing  zephyr,  and  is 
peculiarly  susceptible  to  superstition.  She  was 
telling  her  lover  how  she  feared  her  happiness 
could  not  last  and  spoke  of  that  serrement  du  cmur 
which  seemed  prophetic  of  evil.  Sebastien,  in 
the  superb  enjoyment  of  his  healthy  physique, 
could  not  sympathize  with  her,  and  only  laughed 
at  her  fears. 

What  had  presentiments  to  do  with  him,  he 
th.>!fght;  would  he  not  be  obliged  to  relinquish  his 
bachelor  habits  and  become  a  serious,  home-stay- 
ing man?  An  unconscious  sigh  escaped  him. 
Raising  his  eyes,  he  abruptly  left  Zoe.  He  re- 
turned shortly  afterwards  accompanied  by  several 
men,  guns  in  hand,  whom  he  had  called  from  the 
"seines"  near  by,  and  followed  by  Sebastien' s 
dog,  Chasseur.  Whilst  his  friends  were  loosening 
the  boat  from  its  moorings  Sebastien  joined  his 
fiancee  who  asked  him  to  explain  the  cause  of 
his  sudden  departure.  He  pointed  to  a  flock  of 
ducks  flying  towards  the  flats  (an  unusual  occur-  • 
rence  at  that  season)  and  said  he  was  going  for 
a  farewell  hunt.     As  soon  as  she  heard  this  she 


is' 

I 


f 


■  liiillil! 


i 


130 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


hid  her  face  in  her  hands,  and  the  slender,  girlish 
figure  was  convulsed.  In  accents  tremulous  with 
unshed  tears  she  besought  him  not  to  leave  her, 
for  if  he  did  he  would  never  return.  Sebastien 
tried  to  reason  with  her,  but  it  was  of  no  avail. 
He  petted  her  and  tried  those  arts  in  which  the 
lover  is  so  proficient.  She  told  him  that  she  had 
heard  the  past  night  the  screech-owl  in  the  wil- 
low tree  near  her  window,  at  the  same  time  the 
barking  of  dogs  and  ringing  of  bells  in  the  air — 
doleful  foreshadowings  of  approaching  disaster. 

Sebastien  gazed  tenderly  into  the  upturned 
face,  so  pathetic  in  its  tearful  appeal,  and  felt  his 
resolve  melting  away.  But  the  impatient  call  of 
his  friends  and  a  shy  feeling  of  being  laughed 
at  prompted  him  to  hastily  say  good-bye  to  his 
promised  bride.  "When  shall  you  return?" 
asked  Zoe.  "To-morrow  at  dawn,  dead  or  alive, 
sure,"  he  jestingly  added,  to  quiet  her  fears. 
Soon  the  hunters  were  off.  Sebastien  waved  the 
end  of  his  red  sash  and  Chasseur  barked  a  jubi- 
lant farewell,  for  he  seemed  to  share  his  master's 
love  of  the  chase. 

At  early  dawn  Zoe  came  to  the  shore  to  wel- 
come the  returning  hunters.  She  seated  herself 
on  one  of  the  great  boulders  which  are  strewn 
upon  the  shores  of  the  lake,  thrown  there  by  the 
Indian  spirit  Manabozbo,  who  cast  them  at  his 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


131 


father  in  his  memorable  combat.     Seldom  had  so 
glorious  a  scene  burst  on  her  view  and  all  was  in 
harmony  with    her    nature.     The    dark    forests 
melted  with  azure  softness  the  magical  veil  of 
misty,   golden   haziness  hung  over  everything, 
transforming  the  scene  into  a  sea  of  gold  dissolved 
in  rainbow  tints.     Lake,   sky,  land,  all  seemed 
flooded    and    transtigur  1.      The    indescribable 
sliades  flowed  into  each  other  with    a  beauty 
which,  while  enchanting,  was  the  despair  of  the 
artist.     The  girl  drank  in  the  delicious  draught  of 
loveliness,  and  thought  if  this  was  the  dawn  of  a 
perfect  earthly  day  which  must  die  in  all  its  splen- 
dor, what  must  be  that  of  the  eternal  one  in  its 
undying  beauty.     To-day  was  her  wedding  day  ! 
Why  did  Sebastien  tarry?    Had  he  not  a  loving 
im])atience  to  meet  his  bride  %    Hour  after  hour 
she  waited,  sending  forth  her  petitions  to   Ste. 
Anne,  the  patroness  of   mariners,  to  guide  her 
Sebastien   back.      Others  whose  husbands  and 
brothers  had  gone  with  Sebastien  joined  her  in 
her  weary  watchings.     Night  came  but  brought 
no  returning  hunters.     Bay  after  day  Zoe  still 
came  to  the  beach,  questioning  the  vast  waters 
and  the  horizon  for  Sebastien.     Winter  passed, 
spring  again  hung  her  bright  blossoms  on  the 
trees,   but   Sebastien  came  not  to   gladden   the 
the  sorrow-hauntod  heart  of  the  girl.     Yet  she 


^:«nt^f;  fjf 


;    I 


IP 


■llilllli;i!']<l  :•''''' 


132 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


seemed  cheerful,  as  if  buoyed  up  by  some  inward 
hope.  She  constantly  said  that  her  lover  would 
return  to  claim  her, — he  had  promised  jind  he 
had  never  deceived  any  one.  Once,  shortly  after 
he  left,  she  had  heard  Sebastien's  voice,  and  look- 
ing up  saw  him  in  a  boat  in  the  clouds.  Chas- 
seur was  with  him,  and  Sebastien  said:  "I  will 
come  for  you  in  a  year  and  a  day."  Then  to- 
wards the  north  the  mystic  apparition  glided  and 
the  voice  died  away  in  the  moaning  wind. 

It  was  a  year  and  a  day.  The  pale  cheek  with 
its  hectic  flush,  the  fragile  figure,  the  transparent 
hand  told  that  this  was  a  blossom  for  the  grave. 

Zoe  desired  that  she  should  be  dressed  as  a 
bride  and  carried  to  the  beach  to  watch  for  her 
bridegroom.  Her  chair  was  brought  to  the  place 
she  designated.  The  scene  was  by  a  strange  co- 
incidence of  nature,  nearly  the  same  as  on  the 
bright  day  she  waited  Sebastien' s  return.  Nature 
seemed  anxious  that  the  dying  girl  should  take 
the  sweetest  and  most  beautiful  memories  of 
earth  with  her.  The  wakening  waves  chanted 
their  low  matins  as  they  broke  at  her  feet,  the 
birds  greeted  her  with  jubilant  notes  and  the 
soft,  balmy  air  played  hide  and  seek  through  the 
meshes  of  her  hair. 

The  maiden  heeded  not  the  beauty  of  the 
scene;  her  eyes  were  intently  fixed  on  a  spot  in 


I       t 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


133 


the  skies.  Suddenly  an  ecstatic  expression  crej^t 
over  her  face,  and  raising  herself  up  she  ex- 
chiimed,  "See!  see!  there  is  Sebastien  in  the 
bout ;  he  beckons  to  me,  and  Chasseur  is  barking 
so  joyously  !  Did  I  not  tell  you  he  would  come 
for  me?  Sebastien,  I  come,  I  come."  And  the 
pure  spirit  of  tlie  girl  leaped  from  its  mortal 
tenement  to  rejoin  that  of  her  spirit  bride- 
groom. Her  awe-stricken  friends  looked  wliere 
slie  pointed  and  saw  a  phantom  boat  drifting  on 
a  billow  of  clouds,  and  distinctly  heard  the  echo 
of  a  barking  dog  as  the  vision  melted  into  the 
boundless  blue. 


ill 


XIX 


LE  FEUrOLLET. 


A  Legrend  of  Grosse  Isle. 


I  ^lil 


BOUT  fifteen  miles  below  De- 
troit lies  the  beautiful  island 
called  Grosse  Isle,  it  being 
the  largest  of  the  group  be- 
tween Lakes  Erie  and  Sainte 
Claire. 

Tts  wonderful  fertility,  the  luxuriant  growth  of 
its  forest  trees  and  the"  beauty  of  its  situation  so 
wove  the  spell  of  its  seductive  charm  around  the 
heart  of  an  English  officer,  that  he  resolved  to  re- 
sign and  spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  tliis 
enchanting  retreat.  *  His  name  was  William  Ma- 
comb. He  was  of  Scottish  extraction,  and  he  had 
come  to  Detroit  with  the  English  troops  in  1760. 
Macomb  obtained  an  Indian  grant  for  his  coveted 


'i'i'  M 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


135 


treasure,  and  soon  improvements  arose,  testifying 
his  earnest  desire  to  make  himself  comfortable  in 
his  island  home.  In  1808  his  heirs,  John,  Wil- 
liam and  David,  through  their  attorney,  Solo- 
mon Sibley,  and  their  agent,  Angus  Mcintosh,  re- 
ceived full  ackno'vledgment  from  the  Ameiican 
Government.  Energy,  enterprise  and  adminis- 
trative ability  were  inseparable  from  the  name  of 
Macomb,  one  of  its  members,  Alexander,  be- 
coming general-in-chief  of  the  army  of  the 
United  States.  Grosse  Isle,  Belle  Isle,*  and 
large  tracts  of  land  in  Detroit,  belonged  to  this 
family,  and  if  retained  until  the  present  time 
would  have  made  them  immensely  wealthy. 
Tlie  lavish  hospitality  and  unbounded  extrava- 
gance which  characterized  all  the  old  families 
during  the  military  epoch,  compelled  a  gradual 
transfer  of  property.  But  some  of  the  descendants, 
though  no  longer  bearing  the  family  name,  still 
preserve  homesteads  on  Grosse  Isle. 

*See  page  273  and  page  479  Land  Titles  in  the  Michigan  Terri- 
tory American  State  Papers  xvi.,  vol.  1,  Public  Lauds. 

M(Miday,  December  3,  1805. 

John,  William  and  David  Macomb  claimed  an  island  situated 
in  the  Strait,  three  miles  above  Detroit,  called  Hog  Island.  It  con- 
tains 704  acres,  was  surveyed  by  Mr.  Boyd  in  1771,  and  purchased 
from  the  Indians  of  theOtfawa  and  Chippewa  nations  in  council, 
imdor  dir(!Ction  of  his  Majesty's  commander-in-chief,  and  con- 
veyed to  Lt  George  McDougall,  whose  heirs  sold  it  to  Wm.  Ma- 
comb in  1793. 


136 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Cotemporary  with  tlie  Macombs  was  the  family 
of  the  Navarres.  Robert  1st  of  the  name  was 
fifth  in  descent  from  Antoine,  Buke  of  Vendome, 
half-brother  of  Henry  4th  of  Navarre.  He  came 
to  Detroit  in  1730  as  sub-intendant  of  Louis  XIV, 
having  entire  control  of  all  the  affairs  of  the 
French  Government  outside  of  the  military  au- 
thority, in  this  part  of  la  Nouvelle  France.  His 
children  and  grandchildren  became  an  honor  to 
him,  and  proverbial  for  their  great  beauty  and 
Bourbon  faces.  They  so  married  and  intermar- 
ried with  the  Macombs,  that  it  was  difficult  to 
say  where  one  family  ended  and  the  other  began. 

Willit;m  Macomb,  Jr.,  had  become  the  humble 
captive  of  the  beautiful  Monique  Navarre,  a 
granddaughter  of  "Robert  the  Writer,"  as  he 
was  called.  He  had  invited  her  with  her  brother 
Robert,  to  visit  the  island  during  the  sultry  Au- 
gust weather,  and  one  morning  they  embarked  in 
their  little  sailboat  to  drink  in  the  refreshing 
breezes  from  Lake  Erie.  On  landing  before  the 
Macomb  mansion  they  were  disappointed  to  learn 
that  the  family  had  been  called  to  Elba  Island, 
just  below,  by  the  death  of  a  friend,  but  the 
"pani"*  slave  left  in  attendance  assured  them 


*  At  the  time  referred  to  slavery  was  universal,  and  orifjinally 
all  prisoners  taken  in  Indian  wars,  who  were  not  whites,  were  called 
by  the  French  "  pani " — spelled  hy  the  English  to  conform  with  the 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


137 


they  must  come  in  and  make  themselves  comfort- 
able, as  Master  William  had  left  word,  thinking 
it  possible  that  the  visitors  would  come,  that  he 
would  reach  home  by  sunset.  The  aspect  of  the 
sky  silenced  all  hesitancy,  as  one  of  those  sudden 
storms  born  only  on  a  sultry,  tropical  day,  swept 
over  the  island. 

As  the  vivid  flashes  darted  across  the  water, 
Monique,  who  was  of  a  nervous  temperament, 
begged  the  pani  slave  to  split  off  fragments  of  the 
•Christmas  log  (usually  preserved  half-burnt  from 
year  to  year)  and  to  throw  them  on  the  Are,  *'  to 
prevent  the  thunder  from  falling;"  then,  glanc- 
ing at  the  door  and  seeing  a  branch  of  white 
thorn  suspended  there  she  became  tranquil.  This 
bush  was  considered  a  divine  lightning  rod,  the 
superstition  probably  arising  from  the  fact  that 
its  thorny  branches  crowned  the  Saviour's  head. 
An  old  legend  says  that  wherever  drops  of  His 
precious  blood  fell,  flowers  sprang  forth.  A  por- 
tion of  this  crown  is  still  seen  in  the  relics  of  the 
Holy  Roman  Empire  in  the  government  collection 
at  Vienna."^ 


pronunciation,  "pawnee."  The  word  gradually  came  to  moan  a 
person  of  mixed  Indian  and  negro  blood,  and  ia  so  used  in  this 
narnUive. 

*  Another  superstition  was  that  a  piece  of  bread  which  had  been 
blessed  at  three  Christmas  masses  would  preserve  a  house  from 
Jiarm. 


w 


138 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


% 


A\ 


i 


Gradually  the  storm  subsided,  but  the  shadows^^ 
of  night  crept  swiftly  on  and  still  the  family  re- 
turned not.  Suddenly  a  sharp,  shrill  whistle  fell 
on  the  expectant  ears,  startling  all  to  their  feet. 
Monique,  who  had  been  gazing  vaguely  into  the 
twilight,  slammed  the  blinds  together  hurriedly 
exclaiming,  "  It  is  the  feu  f ollet  dancing  over  the 
fields,  and  if  I  had  not  shut  it  out,  it  would  have 
entered  and  strangled  us.  Le  Bon  Dieu  preserve 
William  and  the  others." 

"A  truce  to  your  fears,  ma  soeur,"  answered 
Robert.  "  They  can  take  care  of  themselves,  but 
as  it  is  clearing  up  we  will  soon  go  in  search  of 
them."  Thus  did  he  soothe  the  nervous  girl ;  for 
himself  he  had  no  fears,  and  being  a  student  at 
the  bar,  naturally  felt  little  respect  for  the  higher 
powers  or  the  devil. 

Like  other  scoffers  of  the  period  he  thought 
the  feu  follet  merely  inflammable  gases  arising 
from  miasmatic  exhalations  of  swampy  lands. 
Monique  and  many  others  thought  this  ' '  an  easy 
way  of  explaining  it."  Had  they  lived  in  our  days 
they  would  have  found  a  great  number  who  attrib- 
ute to  electricity  things  which  they  can  not  ex- 
plain. 

"Tell  me  all  about  the  feu  follet,  chere 
soeur,"  said  Robert,  anxious  to  divert  her  and 
lull  her  apprehensions.    A  glad  light  of  pleasure 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


130 


stole  into  her  eyes,  and  a  tender  blush  suffused 
her  face,  battling  with  that  triumphant  expres- 
sion which  every  woman  wears  when  she  thinks 
she  has  won  a  convert  to  her  opinions. 

"Monfrere,  the  feu  follet  are  not  always  con- 
sidered dangerous.  When  twin  lights  are  seen 
stealing  along  in  the  soft  twilight  they  are  called 
'Castor  and  Pollux,'  and  this  is  a  happy  omen. 
But  when  a  single  intense  light  appears  it  is- 
named  'Helene,'  and  he  who  sees  it  must  at  once 
throw  himself  on  the  ground  covering  his  face, 
for  so  seductive  is  its  fascination  that  it  allures 
him  to  deserted  bogs  and  steep  ravines,  and  leaves 
him  to  die.  There  is  a  Norman  tradition  which 
exists  among  the  habitants  coming  from  Caen,  in 
Normandy,  that  the  feu  follet  are  divided  into 
two  species,  the  male  and  female,  and  are  sup- 
posed to  be  the  souls  of  those  who  have  sinned 
against  purity.  These  people  of  the  Norman  race 
also  call  maidens  who  have  fallen  from  grace  '  fou- 
rolle,'  as  fourolle  Jeanne,  fouroUe  Katishe,  and 
believe  that  the  evil  one  gives  them  the  power  of 
divesting  themselves  of  their  body,  and  transform- 
ing into  a  bright  light  which  runs  'en  fourolle,' 
leading  many  to  destruction  who  mistake  it  for 
some  friendly  fiignal  v/lien  astray  in  swampy 
places." 

As  Monique  finished  her  explanation  she  rose 


140 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


IS  'il!l! 


Iiiili  ill 


i  1 


llii  ilii< 


and  insisted  that  they  should  go  in  search  of  the 
host  and  family.  They  started  out  followed  by 
the  pani,  who  held  his  blazing  pine  knot  which 
threw  its  uncertain  light  on  the  pathway  and 
made  a  weird  tableau  as  its  Hickering  rays  alter- 
nately bathed  the  little  procession  in  light,  then 
in  shadow.  They  made  the  woods  resound  with 
their  shouts,  but  no  answering  call  greeted  their 
anxious  ears,  and  the  pani  expressed  his  anx- 
iety, as  "Master  WilliaTi  had  surely  promised 
to  return,  and  he  never  knew  him  to  fail  in  spite 
of  rain  or  sunshine."  At  last,  as  they  proceeded 
on  their  doleful  journey,  the  ground  grew  miry 
and  swampy,  while  the  dismal  croaking  of  frogs 
and  the  sickly  miasmatic  odors  added  to  their 
dread  forebodings.  Just  then,  when  the  saddest 
presentiments  were  invading  the  hearts  of  the 
courageous  searchers,  Monique  uttered  one  last 
despairing  cry  in  which  all  the  energy  of  her  na- 
ture seemed  centered,  so  anxious  was  she  it  should 
reach  the  lost  one.  Instantaneously  the  sharp 
report  of  a  pistol  startled  from  their  nests  the 
little  birds  which  fluttered  around  chirping  plain- 
tively, as  if  seeking  companionship  from  the 
invaders  of  their  solitary  and  mournful  abode. 
Following  the  sound  of  the  pistol,  the  searchers 
saw  in  the  swamp  an  object  in  the  water,  and 
soon  their  willino:  hands   had  made  a   sort  of 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


141 


bridge  which  enabled  them  to  approach  it.  It 
proved  to  be  the  lost  wanderer,  hopelessly  strug- 
gling in  the  miry  embrace.  He  was  extricated 
from  his  perilous  position  and  the  little  proces- 
sion went  back  rejoicing. 

On  arriving  at  home,  seated  at  the  hospitable 
table,  William  related  his  adventure.  As  soon 
as  the  storm  subsided  he  had  started  homeward  ; 
the  remainder  of  the  family  were  to  stay  at 
Elba  until  the  morning.  In  the  darkness  he  had 
lost  his  way,  and  seeing  a  bright  light  had  fol- 
lowed it.  As  he  drew  nearer  it  appeared  to 
recede  until  he  found  himself  plunged  into  the 
swamp.  He  cried  out  for  help  until  exhausted, 
and  his  only  answer  was  the  mocking  laughter  of 
goblins.  Realizing  the  hopelessness  of  his  posi- 
tion, he  commended  his  spirit  to  his  Maker  and 
calmly  awaited  the  result.  Suddenly  it  seemed 
to  him  as  if  the  voice  of  his  loved  one  was  borne 
to  his  ears  to  soften  the  anguish  of  his  last  mo- 
ments. Then  other  voices  came  so  distinctly  that 
lie  awoke  from  his  lethargy,  and  thinking  it  pos- 
sible that  friends  had  heard  his  former  cries  for 
help,  fired  his  pistol. 

"It  was  the  feu  follet,  mon  ami,  which  led  you 
astray.  You  cannot  say  you  do  not  believe  in  it 
now,"  said  Monique,  as  she  glanced  archly  at  her 
lover. 


y^ 


'iii 


142 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


"Anything  you  believe  in  will  suit  me  now 
and  for  all  time,"  said  the  gallant  William. 

So  on  the  next  feast  day  they  stood  before  the 
altar  of  Ste.  Anne's  in  Detroit,  and  were  made  one 
forever. 


^ 


III!    II 


XX 


THE  FEAST  OF  ST.  JEAN. 


A  Legrend  of  Sandwich. 

)T  WAS  the  eve  of  Pentecost  which  fell  amid 
tlie  roses  of  June  in  1790. 

There  was  a  great  commotion  in  the  spacious 
kitchen  of  Dominique  Gaudet,  who  lived  near  the 
clmrcli  on  the  banks  of  the  Detroit.  The  hurry- 
ing to  and  fro  of  busy  feet,  the  gleeful  voices  of 
merriment,  mingled  with  the  clatter  of  dishes,  • 
fragments  of  song  and  the  deeper  bass  tones  of 
the  men,  formed  an  admirable  orchestra  of  babel 
and  confusion  ;  for  on  the  morrow  it  was  Domi- 
nique who  was  to  present  the  joam  henit  {blessed 
bread)  and  its  accessory  cousins  (a  kind  of  cake) 
to  be  distributed  at  high  mass.  Each  family 
along  la  cote  in  turn  furnished  them,  save  at  the 
Assumption  (15th  of  August)  when  a  portion  of 


lU 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


\  '^ 


the  Huron  tribe  came  to  camp  in  the  grove  near 
the  church  and  ckiimed  the  privilege,  as  they  liad 
donated  the  ground.  Joseplite  and  Lizette,  the 
pani  slaves,  were  industriously  kneading  the  huge 
mass  of  dough  in  the  wooden  A i^cA^;  (trough)  whilst 
Soukinge  Gaudet,  with  her  sleeves  rolled  up  dis- 
playing the  dimpled  arms,  and  her  migiionne  face 
and  hair  all  powdered  with  flour,  was  trying  to 
plait  the  refractory  dough  into  the  semblance  of 
a  large  wreath.  This  "couronne"  was  the  orna- 
ment on  the  top  loaf,  and  was  always  detached 
after  mass  and  sent  as  a  token  to  the  person 
whose  turn  it  would  be  to  prepare  the^am  heiiit 
for  the  next  feast.  At  a  table  was  a  gay  bevy  of 
girls  who  were  cutting  the  cousins  into  palm 
shapes,  and  with  a  feather  brushing  the  top  of 
them  with  eg^^  and  sugar.  La  dame  Gaudet  re- 
ceived them  and  placed  them  in  the  big  four 
(oven).  The  light  from  the  open  chimney  threw 
its  flickering  gleams  around,  lighting  up  the  joy- 
ous faces  and  producing  a  Rembrandt  effect  of 
light  and  shade.  It  was  a  charming  study  for  an 
artist's  pencil.  Soulange  with  two  or  three  of  her 
companions  having  completed  their  task,  brushed 
the  flour  from  their  hair  and  dresses  and  strolled 
along  the  banks  to  cool  their  heated  cheeks.  The 
twilight  shades  were  deepening  and  the  rosy  re- 
flection in  the  sky  left  its  promise  of  a  beautiful 


mm 


T 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


145 


morrow.  They  were  presently  joined  by  several 
youn<^  men  who  had  come  to  help  them  carry  the 
pa'tn  henit  and  cousins  to  the  clmrch.  Whilst  tliey 
were  gayly  chatting  Soulange,  who  seemed  dis- 
trait and  anxiously  waiting  for  somebody,  sud- 
denly called  attention  to  an  object  in  th(3  water. 
They  could  distinguish  the  iigure  of  a  man  who 
was  aj)parently  seated  on  the  water.  No  canoe 
was  visible,  and  yet  he  seemed  to  glide  along  by 
the  aid  of  a  paddle.  Whilst  speculating  on  the 
strange  phenomenon,  the  increasing  darkness  hav- 
ing prevented  close  inspection,  the  sound  of  some- 
thing grating  on  the  sand  near  them  and  a  merry 
laugh,  caused  all  to  hurry  down  to  the  beacn. 
They  were  greeted  by  David  Fisher,  who  resided 
in  Detroit.  "  Handsome  David,"  as  he  was  called, 
was  a  gay,  dashing  Kentuckian  who  had  fal- 
len in  love  with  "la  belle  Soulange"  when  she 
had  visited  her  friends  in  Detroit.  He  was  a 
great  favorite,  and  spoke  French  like  a  native,  and 
his  easy,  debonnaire  manner  carried  captive  the 
hearts  of  the  old  and  young.  The  amazement  of 
the  party  was  intense  when  they  found  that  Da- 
vid's  canoe  was  a  wheelbarrow.*  He  laughed  at 
their  pferplexed  looks  and  briefly  explained  that 

*Fact:  A  feat  performed  by  Pierre  Godfrey  in  fulfillment  of 
abet. 

10 


I     !i 


146 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Hi  Hi' 


he  had  found  no  one  to  row  him  over  and  no  boat 
to  be  liad,  so  he  had  devised  tliis  new  method — 
a  feat  as  difficult  as  Leonidas  swinmiing  the  Hell- 
espont, and  no  less  i'onianti(\  A  summons  from  the 
house  [innounced  that  all  the  things  were  in  readi- 
ness to  be  carried  to  the  church.  As  they  wended 
their  way,  each  laden  with  something,  the  gay  x)eals 
of  laugliter  that  rang  on  their  retreating  steps  told 
those  who  listened  that  David  was  in  high  humor, 
and  amusing  as  usual  with  his  sparkling  jests  and 
jeu  d' esprit.  In  the  sanctuary  they  arranged  the 
pain  henit  generally  four  in  number  and  round 
in  shape.  The  largest  was  placed  first  on  a  table, 
then  layers  of  cousins  and  so  on  until  the  top 
loaf  and  its  ' '  couronne ' '  covered  the  structure. 
Little  silk  flags  were  stuck  here  and  there,  form- 
ing a  charming  and  unique  pyramid. 

Pentecost  morning  dawned  bright  and  beautiful 
and  the  church  was  crowded.  At  the  Credo  the 
Sacristan,  with  his  slow,  measured  step,  approach- 
ed Soulange  and  presented  her  with  a  silver  plate 
he  held  in  his  hand.  With  nervous  trepidation 
she  liad  awaited  this  moment,  for  she  was  tlie 
"queteuse"  of  the  day.  She  arose  with  a  digni- 
fied composure,  of  which  only  the  fleeting  color, 
as  it  came  and  went  in  her  cheek,  betrayed  the 
effort.  She  walked  to  the  altar  railing  and  knelt, 
then   rising,    presented  her  plate  at  each  pew 


Legench  of  Le  Detroit. 


147 


for  the  collection,  acknowledging  tlie  offering 
by  a  sweeping  courtesy,  whose  i)eiiection  was 
iittainecl  by  many  an  anxious  hour  of  j)ractice. 
The  bread  was  blessed.  The  Sacristan  gradually 
6trii)i)ed  the  pyramid,  cut  the  bread  and  distrib- 
uted it  to  each  person,  who  making  the  sign  of 
tlie  cross,  ate  it  in  silence  as  a  symbol  of  the 
unity  that  should  reign  among  Christians,  who 
are  nil  members  of  the  same  family. 

After  nuiss  there  were  hand-shakings  and  greet- 
ings. The  scene  was  a  most  picturesque  one.  In 
front  the  broad  river  swej)t  majestically  ;  beneath 
the  cool  shade  of  the  trees  were  spread  snowy 
white  tablecloths,  forming  a  contrast  to  the  green 
verdure,  around  which  were  seated  those  habi- 
tants who  lived  too  far  to  return  for  vespers, 
awai  ting  their  meal.  A  number  had  gathered  about 
the  hedeau  (Sacristan),  who,  arrayed  in  his  long  blue 
redingote  and  carrick  cape  edged  with  red,  was 
crving  out  in  a  stentorian  voice :  "  Avertisement ! 
Avertisement ! ' '  Newspapers  being  then  un- 
known in  those  regions,  this  was  the  only  medium 
of  advertising  an  auction,  a  lost  cow,  or  stray 
child.  Soulange  was  joined  by  her  lover,  David, 
and  they  together  visited  the  various  groups 
seated  on  the  gi*ass,  with  whom  they  exchanged 
the  compliments  of  the  day.  Several  children, 
catching   a  glimpse  of  David,   insisted   on    his 


i  ■  p 


ill 


i:i;  I 


!!il'l!Mi 


148 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


taking  them  to  one  of  the  booths,  which  looked 
like  wigwams  covered  witli  fresh  branches  of 
maple,  and  dis|)layed  a  temi)ting  array  of  maple 
sugar  and  "croquecignoles." 

That  evening  David  and  Soulange  agreed  they 
would  be  married  at  midsummer,  for  then  "the 
fairies  would  dance  at  the  wedding  "  David  laugh- 
ingly said.  Happy  was  Souhmge  these  days  ;  her 
voice  ripx)led  with  the  melody  of  joy  which  surged 
from  a  heart  tilled  with  love  and  tenderness. 

And  "Merry  !  merry  !   merry  !" 

Rang  tlic  bells  of  every  hour. 
And  "happy,  happy,  happy!" 

In  her  valley  laughed  the  flov^^er. 

As  the  weeks  passed  which  measured  the  time 
before  Soulange' s  wedding  a  shadow  was  creeping 
over  her  horizon  which  would  rob  the  smiling 
lips  of  laughter  and  smother  forever  her  sunshine 
of  hajipiness.  Vague  reports  floated  on  the  idle 
wings  of  rumor,  of  a  disagreement  between  David 
and  an  officer,  which,  though  contradicted,  left  an 
Impression  of  uneasiness  in  those  who  knew  the 
gallant,  warm-hearted,  yet  reckless  Fisher. 

It  was  an  open  glade  below  Sandwich  tliat 
the  sun  flooded  brightly  on  an  August  morning. 
The  sparkling  waters  were  sporting  with  the  first 
golden  beams  ;  the  branches  cf  the  trees  in  the 
woods  skirting  the  field  swayed  lazily  to  the  woo- 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


149 


ing  breeze.  The  flowers  were  still  bathed  in  dew 
and  in  their  moist  mass  were  flung'  instruments 
of  death.  In  the  midst  of  an  awe  stricken  group 
lay  a  haridsoiiie,  manly  form,  wliose  life  was 
slowly  ebbing  away.  The  glory  of  the  sunrise 
and  the  birds  gushing  forth  their  melodies, 
seemed  a  mockery  to  that  sad  scene,  whilst  an 
immortal  soul  was  winging  its  flight  to  the  un- 
known world.  The  surgeon  who  had  knelt  beside 
tlie  prostrate  form  arose  ;  the  pulse  was  stilled 
forever. 

The  news  of  the  duel  and  its  fatal  consequences 
was  soon  known,  and  the  shore  was  lined  with 
people.  Soulange  attracted  by  the  crowd,  came 
to  inquire  the  cause.  A  hushed  whispering  and 
sympathetic  glances  greeted  her,  whilst  a  pair  of 
loving  hands  imprisoned  her  and  tried  to  lead  her 
home.  With  a  great  fear  over  her  which  lent 
her  strength,  she  wrenched  herself  away  and  flew 
to  the  beach.  Two  canoes  were  being  slowly 
rowed  up  the  stream  towing  a  third,  over  which 
a  blanket  was  thrown,  the  ends  trailing  mourn- 
fiillv  in  the  water.  The  heads  of  the  rowers  were 
bowed  and  their  attitude  denoted  grief  and  sor- 
row. The  sun  had  veiled  itself  behind  the  clouds 
as  if  in  pity.  A  solemn  silence  reigned,  born 
only  in  death's  awful  presence;  men  uncovered 
their  heads  and  furtively  brushed  away  a  stray 


III'  I  nil  Ml  ■  I 


^:fl  '   r 


if 


150 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


i 


li  !: 


tear  ;  women  clasped  convulsively  their  babes  to 
their  breasts  and  murmured  a  prayer  for  that  sol- 
itary figure  which  stood  on  the  beach.  A  clear 
voice  pierced  the  ominous  silence.  "Bring  him 
here,"  it  said,  and  those  who  heard  it  would  long 
remember  it,  for  a  human  heart  lay  broken  in  its 
accents.  Unconsciously  the  imperious  order  was 
obeyed  and  the  canoe  allowed  to  drift  to  her  feet. 
Quick  as  lightning,  deaf  to  the  expressions  of 
sympathy  which  burst  forth  from  the  multitude, 
she  raised  the  blanket  and  saw  the  dead  face  of 
her  lover. 

Years  had  passed  since  that  sad  occurrence, 
when  one  Sunday  the  good  pri  t  of  the  Church 
of  the  Assumption  recommended  to  the  prayers  of 
the  faithful  the  soul  of  Soeur  Therese  of  the  Grey 
Order  of  Montreal,  who  had  recently  died  after 
a  life  of  j)enance  and  mortification.  In  the  world 
she  had  been  known  as  Soulange  Gaudet. 


XXI 


HAMTRAMCK'S  LOVE. 


A  Leereud  of  Wayne's  Occupation. 


QUARTER  of  a  century 
had  passed  since  Pontiac 
and  his  savage  hordes  bat- 
tled in  vain  against  the 
cedar  ramparts  o.'  old  Fort 
Pontchartrain.  The  Amer- 
ican Colonies  had  thrown 
off  the  yoke  c^  the  mother  country  and  proclaimed 
their  independence.  Remote  from  the  scene  of 
coniiict  the  French  settlement  along  Le  Detroit 
had  begun  to  recover  from  the  devastations  of 
their  Indian  neighbors.  Among  the  habitants 
it  was  whispered  that  for  the  third  time  their  flag 
was  to  be  changed.  Without  asking  their  con- 
sent their  allegiance  was  to  be  claimed  by  the 


if  '  ^ 


152 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


%m 


^■m^ 


III    f'li 


i 


"  Boston  nais"*  or  Yankees,  whose  star  at  present 
was  in  the  ascendant.  This  rumor  gave  rise  to 
diverse  sentiments.  Some  of  the  settlers  felt  the 
spark  of  liberty  kindling  in  their  breasts,  and 
hailed  the  change  as  a  merited  overthrow  of  the 
haughty  English,  their  hereditary  foes.  Others, 
now  that  the  lieur  de  lis  was  withdrawn,  saw  their 
only  safety  and  strength  under  the  cross  of  St. 
George.  Tlie  Elliots,  Babys,  Askins,  and  McKees 
were  among  the  prominent  Canadians  of  the  latter 
class,  while  Robert  Navarre,  Jr.,  the  Chevalier 
Chabert  de  la  Joncaire,  Louis  Descomptes  La- 
badie  and  their  influential  followers  espoused  the 
cause  of  the  rising  young  republic.  In  1786  Rob- 
ert Navarre,  eldest  son  of  the  old  sub-intendant, 
accompanied  by  his  beautiful  daughter  Marianne, 
visited  Philadelphia.  The  French  colonists  sought 
through  him  to  ascertain  precisely  what  was  to  be 
their  status  under  the  new  government.  Among 
the  many  illustrious  men  of  the  day  to  whom 
Navarre  was  pr(isented  was  Maj.  Gen.  Arthur 
St.  Clair,  a  distinguished  officer  of  the  late  revo- 
lutionary war.  His  spirited  daughter,  Louisa  St. 
Clair,  at  once  became  interested  in  Marianne  Na- 
varre, the  brilliant,  piquante  beauty  of  the  fron- 

*  Bostonnais.  A  name  given  to  the  Americans  by  the  French  of 
Quebec,  and  from  thence  the  term  spread  among  all  the  Canadians. 
"Tl^^  Bostonnais"  is  a  charmingly  written  book  by  L'Esperance, 
a  tale  of  the  American  invasion  of  Canada  in  1775-76. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


153 


tier.  On  the  organization  of  a  government  for 
the  North  West  Territory  (whicli  comprised  all 
the  American  possessions  west  of  the  Alleghanies) 
Q^^'^i.  St.  Clair  was  appointed  Governor,  and  a 
number  of  the  most  popular  officers  of  the  revolu- 
tion given  important  positions."^'  These  pioneers, 
who  had  crossed  the  mountains  of  Pennsylvania 
on  horse  back,  settled  on  one  of  the  picturesque 
bends  of  the  Belle  Riviere  (Ohio).  Here  they 
founded  Marietta,  so  called  after  the  lovely  and 
ill-fated  Marie  Antoinette  of  France,  the  fast 
friend  of  the  patriots  in  their  struggle  for  inde- 
pendence. 

Louisa  St.  Clair,  who  had  not  forgotten  the 
little  Norman  friend  whom  she  had  met  in  Phila- 
delphia, wrote  to  her  as  soon  as  she  was  settled  at 
Marietta,  challenging  her  to  cross  the  intervening 
"Black  Swamp"  and  visit  her  in  her  new  home. 
Marianne  came  from  too  good  a  pioneer  stock  to 
shrink  from  any  hardships,  especially  where  it 
promised  an  adventure.     So,  accompanied  by  her 

*A  court  was  'established  and  the  judges  authorized  to  ])repare 
a  code  of  laws.  Maj.  Gea.  Samuel  Holden  Parsons,  the  rival  of 
St.  Clair  for  the  appointment  of  Governor,  was  appointed  Chief 
Justice,  with  Judge  Cleves  Symmes  and  Gen.  Jos.  M.  Varum  as 
Associate  Judges.  The  former  was  great-grandfather  of  Theo. 
Parsons  Hall,  of  Detroit,  and  the  descendants  of  Judge  Symmes 
reside  in  Louisville,  Ky.  In  this  first  court  of  the  North  West, 
Judge  Solomon  Sibley,  Gen.  Lewis  Cass,  Col.  Ebene/x'r  Sproat, 
and  others  well  known  in  Detroit,  took  their  first  lessons  in  law. 


■w 


ll!"'i|i'!iil||''  ''i''llrl'll 


I     I 


I 
IP  I 


11 1 


i  • 


ii 

'liiiii  i 


154 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


relative,  Antoine  Gamelin,  with  a  band  of  friendly 
Indians  and  her  faithful  pani  slave,  she  performed 
the  perilous  journey  in  safety.    On  her  arrival  she 
found  Marietta  a  scene  of  life  and  excitement.  The 
newly  organized  First  Regiment  of  U.  S.  Infantry 
was  then  on  its  way  to  garrison  Vincennes.     Its 
corps  of  gay  officers,  among  whom  was  Col.  John 
Francis  Hamtramck  (then  Major),  made  the  days 
speed  merrily  and  happily  for  the  young  maidens. 
Hamtramck  had,  much  to  the  secret  pleasure  of  the 
Governor,  been  attentive  for  some  time  to  Louisa, 
yet  she  coyly  and  frequently  said  that  her  heart's 
desire  was  to  be  the  bride  of  some  "  noble  warrior 
of  the  forest."  She  cultivated  all  the  Indian  sports, 
became  an  expert  with  the  rifle,  and  one  of  the 
most  daring  and  fearless  horsewomen  in  the  coun- 
try.     Undaunted  by  the  fate  of  Miss   McRea, 
whose  story  every  mother  repeated  to  her  child, 
she  would  make  long  excursions  into  the  forests, 
returning  with  game,  new  specimens  of  flowers, 
or  rare  medicinal  plants.     Marianne  was  too  ac- 
customed to  the  pastimes  of  a  frontier  life  to  find 
novelty  in  them,  and  was  happy  in  perusing  the- 
books  which  her  friend  had   brought  with  her 
from    Philadelphia.     Maj.  Hamtramck  was  fre- 
quently by  her  side.     She  touched  hidden  chords 
in  his  heart,  awaking  the  slumbering  melodies  of 
bright  dreams  and  fanciful  ideals.   Louisa  seemed 


i'         I  ' 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


155 


strangely  anxious  to  promote  the  friendship  be- 
tween Hamtramck  and  Marianne,  but  not  so  the 
Governor,  who  frowned  upon  this  new  state  of 
affairs. 

Marianne  had  been  with  her  friend  about  a^ 
month  when  it  was  announced  that  the  dreaded 
Chief  Thayendanegea  (Joseph  Brandt)  had  camped 
in  the  vicinity  with  a  band  of  his  most  noted  war- 
riors. Tlie  Governor,  anxious  to  conciliate  so  pow- 
erful a  foe  and  to  secure  his  friendship,  contem- 
plated sending  an  ambassador  to  him.  The  mis- 
sion was  a  perilous  and  delicate  one,  and  required 
more  than  ordinary  skill  and  diplomacy.  An 
envoy  j^ossessing  these  talents  was  not  easily 
found,  so  the  Governor  was  obliged  to  content 
himself  by  a  written  missive  requesting  an  inter- 
view. Louisa,  having  heard  the  matter  discussed, 
learned  who  the  messen^'er  was  to  be.  She  dis- 
guised  herself  as  an  Indian  girl  and  slung  on  her 
shoulder  her  trusty  rifle.  Extracting  by  some 
womanly  art  the  note  from  the  soldier,  by  the 
aid  of  her  fleet  horse  she  was  soon  in  the  presence 
of  the  great  chieftain.  Brandt  was  startled  by 
the  fair  apparition,  admired  her  daring  and 
courage,  and  was  flattered  by  her  remembrance. 
These  two  had  met  before  in  Philadelphia,  when 
she  was  at  school,  and  he  a  student  at  col- 
lege.    The  young  Indian  had  been  much  sought 


p« 


■n 


150 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


after ;  his  birtli,  his  influence  with  his  tribe,  liis 
stately  and  graceful  figure  and  rare  talents,  had 
made  him  even  then  a  conspicuous  object.  It  is 
not  to  be  wondered  that  lie  became  the  hero  of 
many  a  girlish  heart.  "  Noble  warrior,"  she  said, 
"I  have  risked  my  life  to  obtain  this  interview; 
you  must  send  some  one  to  accompany  me  back 
to  my  father."  The  chieftain  replied,  "It  is 
fitting  that  I  alone  should  guard  so  courageous  a 
maiden."  With  a  few  of  his  braves  he  accompa- 
nied her  home,  and  thus  the  Governor  obtained  tlie 
interview  he  desired.  Owing  to  some  disagree- 
ment a  satisfactory  treaty  was  not  made.  The 
Governor  censured  Louisa  for  what  he  considered 
a  foolish  escapade,  but  his  anger  knew  no  bounds 
when  shortly  afterwards  Brandt  asked  him  for  her 
hand,  which  was  haughtily  refused.  He  sought 
the  presence  of  his  daughter  and  told  her  that  he 
w^ould  never  consent  to  her  union  with  an  Indian. 
He  had  cherished  other  designs,  and  his  ardent 
wish  was  to  see  her  the  wife  of  Major  Hamtramck 
whom  he  esteemed  highly.  The  sharp  tones  of  the 
angry  voice  penetrated  to  the  room  where  Mari- 
anne sat  reading,  and  brought  to  her  an  explana- 
tion of  the  Governor's  peculiar  manner  of  late 
towards  her,  and  made  her  in  her  indignation 
question  the  motive  of  Hamtramck' s  devotion  to 
her.    The  pride  of  la  belle  France  was  aroused. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


157 


She  doubted  the  youn<^ officer's  loyalty  toiler,  and 
finding  a  favorable  pretext,  returned  to  Detroit 
whilst  Hamtramol^  was  away  ui)on  temporary  offi- 
cial business.  J^iiortly  afterwards  the  embers  of 
war  were  rekindled,  and  Gov.  St.  Clair,  attacked  by 
the  combined  savage  tribes  of  the  West,  met  with 
a  most  disastrous  defeat.'^'  He  was  only  rescued 
from  total  annihilation  by  Hamtramck  and  his 
regulars.  In  this  battle  Brandt  took  a  prominent 
part.  So  anxious  was  he  to  capture  St.  Clair 
alive,  that  he  gave  orders  to  his  savages  to  shoot 
the  horse  from  under  him,  but  not  to  kill  him. 
lie  hoped  that  by  sparing  the  General's  life,  and 
making  him  sensible  of  this  generosity,  he  could 
gain  his  suit  and  win  Louisa  from  "  Le  Crapeau  a 
Cheval,"t  as  he  called  Hamtramck,  whom  he  sup- 
posed his  rival. 

Several  years  had  elapsed.  Col.  Hamtramck, 
who  had  so  distinguished  himself  at  the  battle  of 
the  Maumee,  where  he  commanded  the  left  wing 
under  Wayne,  was  ordered  to  Detroit.  Here  for 
the  first  time  (1796)  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were 


*()n  hearing  of  St.  Clair's  defeat  it  is  said  that  Washington, 
for  once  in  his  life,  swore  such  a  volley  of  oaths  as  to  make  his 
Secretary's  hair  stand  on  end. 

tLe  Crapeau  a  Cheval  (The  Frog  on  Horseback),  Hamtramck 
was  small  and  rather  round  shouldered,  making  a  poor  figure  oa 
horseback,  hence  Brandt's  jealous  epithets. 


!(  I 


iiiiiii;iiiiii!i 


I 


158 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


unfurled  by  Miul  Anthony,  and  later  the  fort  was 
named  in  his  honor.  Here  Hamtranick  again  met 
his  former  sweetheart,  and  pleaded  his  cause  a 
second  time.  lie  told  her  that  he  had  been  wound- 
ed and  surprised  by  her  sudden  departure  li\m 
Marietta,  and  had  heard  later  of  her  rumored  mar- 
riage to  Col.  Gratiot.  He  had  endeavored  to  efface 
her  image  from  his  heart,  had  married  and  was 
now  a  widower  ;  hearing  she  was  not  Gratiot's 
bride  he  had  returned  to  his  allegiance.  Marianne 
again  refused  him;  the  love  which  once  might  have 
been  his  had  been  hopelessly  blighted,  and  her 
heart  was  a  tomb  wherein  lav  the  ashes  of  buried 
hopes  and  bright  illusions.  ' '  Mademoiselle, ' '  said 
Hamtramck,  "since  we  cannot  be  united  in  life, 
in  death  I  shall  be  near  you.  I  shall  give  orders 
to  be  buried  by  your  side."  "Oh,  that  is  romantic, 
Colonel,  but  you  are  a  soldier  and  cannot  say  where 
your  last  sleep  shall  overtake  you, ' '  she  laughingly 
replied.  "No  matter,  mark  me,  I  shall  slumber 
within  the  shadow  of  your  tomb."  In  1803  Ham- 
tramck died,  and  was  buried  near  the  Navarre 
lot  in  the  old  Ste.  Anne's  church  yard.  The  fol- 
lowing is  the  inscription  on  his  tombstone  : 

"Sacred  to  the  memory  of  John  Francis  Ham- 
tramck, Colonel  of  the  First  United  States  Infantry^ 
and  Commandant  of  Detroit  and  its  dependencies. 
He  departed  this  life  on  the  11th  day  of  April, 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


159 


1803,  aged  45  years,  7  inontlis,  27  days.  True 
]);itii()tism  and  zealous  attachment  to  national 
liberty,  joined  to  a  laudable  ambition,  led  liim 
into  military  servic^e  at  an  early  age.  He  was  a 
soldier  before  he  was  a  man.  He  was  an  active 
parti('ii)ator  in  all  the  danger,  difficulties,  and 
honors  of  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  his  heroism 
and  uniform  good  conduct  procured  him  the 
attention  and  personal  thanks  of  the  immortal 
AVashington.  The  United  States  in  him  have  lost 
a  valuable  officer  and  good  citizen,  and  society  a 
useful  and  pleasant  member.  His  friends  will 
ever  mourn  the  loss  of  Hamtramck. 

This  monument  is  placed  over  him  by  the  offi- 
cers who  had  the  honor  to  serve  in  his  command, 
a  small  but  grateful  tribute  to  his  worth." 

Hamtramck' s  remains  were  placed  in  Mount 
Elliott  on  the  abandonment  of  the  old  Ste.  Anne 
cemetery. 

Fifty  years  later  Marianne  died,  and  her  body 
has  been  recently  removed  to  the  Godfroy  lot, 
which  is  opposite  the  spot  where  Hamtramck  is 
buried.  His  prediction  has  been  fulfilled  and  he 
literally  "slumbers  within  the  shadow  of  her 
tomb."  Is  there  a  fate  in  this?  On  the  lower  side 
of  Detroit  on  the  river  bank  is  Fort  Wayne.  At 
the  upper  extremity  of  the  city  still  stands  the 
old  French  house  where  Hamtramck  died.     The 


160 


L('(fend8  of  Le  Detroit. 


m\\'.'V'Xt-v  i%-\\W'l^'f 
1     


ii 


l|!|i!i'ij|l| 


majestic  elm,  like  a  sentinel  by  its  side,  is  the 
land  mark  by  which  passing  vessels  take  their 
course.  The  adjoining  locality  bears  llamtranick's 
name. 

Thus  the  two  old  heroes,  even  in  death,  hold 
their  favorite  respective  i)()siti()ns,  guarding  the 
left  and  right  tlank,*  whilst  the  name  of  Hani- 
tramck's  rival  is  still  perpetuated  in  one  of  our 
most  prominent  business  avenues  (Gratiot). 

*At  the  battle  of  Maiiinoo,  Aus^ust,  1794.  Wiij'ne  coiiimnndcd 
the  right  whig  iind  llaintranu;k  the  left  whig.  Tliis  great  vietory 
over  the  Indians  gave  the  Aiuerk-ans  their  tirst  actual  control  of 
Detroit  and  the  surrounding  country. 


il   I 


I 


^ssiS^^Jisr^ 


XXII 


THE  HAUNTED  SPINNING  WHEEL. 


A  Legrend  of  St.  Jean's  Eve. 


cc 


M 


AD,"  impetuous  Anthony  Wayne  first 
liung  in  triumph  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
over  the  fair  City  of  the  Straits.  It  was 
a  gladsome  beacon  to  many  Americans  to  come 
and  seek  a  home  beneath  its  protecting  folds. 
The  Marietta  colony  in  Ohio  sent  Cass,  Sibley, 
Woodbridge  and  others  to  weave  in  history  their 
distinguished  talents  with  the  city  of  their  adop- 
tion. Many  dashing  Kentuckians,  followers  of 
Wayne,  having  conquered  the  English  oppressors 
were  themselves  vanquished  by  the  dark-eyed, 
piquante  Canadian  demoiselles. 
Many  intermarriages  took  place  between  the 


11 


IF 


I'.' 


ID'lll'Id'l' 


i 

ll 

jl  j 

yii'ii 

162 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


French  habitants*  and  the  new  comers.  In  the 
families  of  these  descendants  are  still  preserved 
the  quaint  traditions  of  the  French,  also  some  of 
the  physical  traits,  particularly  the  shapely  foot 
and  hand,  and  to-day  the  sale  ot  shoes  from  the 
so-called  Creole  last  follows  the  line  of  French 
posts  from  Detroit,  Monroe,  Fort  Wayne,  Yiii- 
cennes,  and  St.  Louis  down  to  New  Orleans.  It 
is  from  one  of  these  old  families  that  the  incidents 
embodied  in  the  following  story  are  gathered. 

In  1705  Didier  Diichene  lived  with  his  wife  and 
little  daughter  Fanchette  on  the  banks  of  the 
Rouge.  His  aged  mother  resided  with  him,  a 
venerable  dame  who  lingered  seemingly  forgot- 
ten, beyond  her  time.  But  not  so,  thought 
Fanchette,  who  would  steal  from  her  play  to 
sit  beside  grandmere,  nestle  her  curly  head 
against  her  knee,  and  listen  with  flushed  cheeks 
and  eyes  glowing  with  wonderment  to  the 
marvelous  tales  she  told.  There  is  something 
beautiful  in  the  witchery  which  a  pious,  serene 
old  age  exercises  over  impressionable  childliood. 
There  seems  to  be  a  perfect  union  between  them, 


*ITabitants.  A  word  whose  moaninc^  has  been  sln<ruhirly  per- 
verted. It  meant  formerly  the  permanent  settlers  who  came  to 
"  habiter  le  pays  "  ("idiabi'  the  country),  in  contradistinction  totlie 
military  and  civil  functiOiiarie'"  who  were  transient.  'J  he  riches^', 
merchant  might  be  an  habitant,  that  is,  a  permanent  settler. 


mf 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


163 


n  mystic  tie  wliich  as  we  advance  in  youth  and 
towards  middle  age  appears  gradually  to  weaken. 
r<'rli!ii)s  the  spontaneous  reverence  which  lisping 
cliil(P"()od  pays  X\)  the  aged,  arises  from  the  shadow 
of  (lie  mystery  of  its  own  existence  whicli  still 
eiivel()])s  it,  and  the  subtle  instincts  of  comi)an- 
ionsliip  which  natui'e  instills  in  those  standing 
on  tiie  confines  of  unknown  worlds.  It  is  the  un- 
conscious tribute  of  the  mystery  of  the  cradle  to 
tliat  of  the  grave.  Childhood  and  old  age  have 
no  i)i'esent ;  one  lives  in  the  past,  the  other  in  the 
future. 

One  day  grandmere  died,  and  Fancliette  felt 
that  the  sunshine  had  all  crept  out  of  her  heart 
and  k'ft  a,  great  void.  It  was  Fancliette' s  lirst 
contact  with  death  and  she  felt  its  awe-striking 
inlluence,  and  wandered  about  listlessly  ques- 
tioning everything  why  all  w^as  so  changed'^  She 
would  sob  herself  to  sleep,  and  in  dreamland 
would  hear  again  the  sweet,  faltering  accents  of 
grandmere.  One  evening  she  awoke  her  parents 
by  a  I'inging  shriek  ;  they  hastened  to  her,  and 
found  her  excitedly  exclaiming:  "Grandmere, 
grandmere  ;  don' t  you  hear  her  ? "  To  soothe  her 
they  remained  quiet  a  moment  and  distinctly 
lieai'd  the  hum  of  the  old  dame's  sj/inning  wheel 
in  the  adjoining  room.  Terror  seized  them,  and 
it  was  only  at  the  earnest  pleading  of  the  cliild 


*<\ 


1C.4 


Legends  of  Lc  Detroit. 


fc:; 


ill  L 


! 


Wmw\ 


mm 


"to  see  grandmei'e "  that  they  regained  suflieient 
courage  to  open  the  door.  But  instantly  the  noise 
ceased  ;  the  room  was  quiet  and  nothing  disturl)ed. 

Night  after  night  the  same  occurrence  took 
l^hice.  To  Fanchette  the  i)hantom  hum  of  the 
spinning  wheel  was  a  sweet  lullaby,  and  an  as- 
surance that  the  dear  grandmere  was  near.  Wwi 
the  parents  who  had  always  laughed  at  the  old 
lady's  superstitions,  felt  it  a  warning  for  their  in- 
credulity. The  "BonPere"  was  consulted,  and 
after  hearing  the  story,  asked  if  they  had  left 
any  promise  unfulfilled  to  the  dead.  "Ah!  Mon 
Dieu,"  cried  Didier,  conscience-striken,  "I  prom- 
ised fifty  masses  for  the  repose  of  her  soul  and  to 
distribute  some  things  among  the  poor."  The 
promise  was  soon  after  fulfilled,  and  the  spinning 
wheel  no  longer  sent  forth  its  weird  music  on  the 
midnight  air. 

Years  rolled  on  until  Fanchette  counted  16,  the 
marriageable  age  among  the  maidens  of  that  day. 
Her  mother  favored  the  suit  of  a  little  Canadian, 
but  the  girl's  heart  inclined  toward  a  brave  Ken- 
tuckian.  It  was  a  severe  struggle  for  that  docile 
girl,  between  her  obedience  to  her  mother  and  her 
affection  for  her  lover.  The  great  Canadian  festi- 
val of  St.  Jean  Baptiste,  or  Midsummer  Day,  as 
the  English  called  it,  was  nigh. 

Towards  nightfall  the  great  bonfire  {feu  dejoie) 


:■## 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


105 


was  kindled.  It  was  an  octagonal  pyramid  about 
eight  or  ten  feet  high,  erected  oj^posite  the  church 
on  tlie  beach,  and  was  covered  with  branches  of 
fir  stuck  in  the  interstices  of  the  logs  of  cedar  of 
wliich  it  was  built.  The  lighted  tax)er  was  applied 
to  each  little  heap  of  straw  placed  at  each  of  the 
riu'lit  corners  of  the  verdant  cone.  The  flames 
arose  sparkling  and  scintillating  amidst  hurrahs, 
cheers  and  deafening  volleys  of  guns.  The  cus- 
tom was  of  Norman  origin,  and  commemorated 
the  time  when  the  bonfire  w  as  the  only  medium  of 
communication  for  those  living  on  opposite  shores, 
and  especially  in  winter,  when  they  were  shut  off 
from  each  other.  Thus  Are  became  a  language 
and  they  who  knew  its  alphabet  could  read  in  the 
swaying  flames  the  message  of  death,  sickness  or 
joyful  tidings.  On  the  eve  of  the  festival  great 
boniires  were  built  along  the  beach  of  the  Detroit 
and  all  kept  the  vigil,  as  it  was  thought  if  any  one 
slept  his  soul  w^ould  leave  the  body  and  wander 
to  And  the  place  where  death  was  to  overtake 
him.  At  sunrise  if  close  watch  was  kept  one 
might  see  the  sun  dance  three  times. 

Fanchette  had  come  to  the  fort  to  visit  friends 
but  her  principal  interest  in  the  day  was  centered 
on  a  trial  wliich  she  had  decided  to  make  as  to 
whom  she  should  choose  for  a  husband.  At  the 
hour  of  twelve  everything  was  quiet  in  the  house. 


11 


|li|||l:|iii!ili|j||i 


1  ll'il.i::::^ 


166 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


She  cautiously  made  her  way  to  the  garden  sur- 
rounded by  its  high  cedar  pickets,  and  taking  a 
handful  of  wild  hemp  seed,  she  scattered  it  on 
the  ground  saying, 

"Hemp  I  sow,  hemp  I  hoe, 
Who  is  my  love  come  after  me  now." 

To  her  intense  joy,  a  vague  resemblance  of  the 
Kentuckian  arose  and  stalked  across  the  garden. 

Then  hastily  plucking  a  few  sprigs  of  vervain, 
a  plant  so  useful  in  warding  off  goblins  and  pos- 
sessing wonderful  powers,  she  carefully  picked  a 
rose  de  France,  which  she  felt  would  keep  fresh 
until  marriage  time  at  Christmas,  and  returned  to 
her  room  to  watch  with  the  others,  and  muse  on 
her  happiness  in  store. 

The  same  belief  and  traditions  repeat  them- 
selves in  other  lands  as  is  seen  in  the  oft  quoted 

POEM  OF  ST.  John's  wort. 

The  young  maid  stole  through  the  cottage  door, 
And  blushed  as  she  saw  the  i)lant  of  power; 
"  Thou  silver  moon  glow,  oh  lend  me  tliy  light, 
I  must  gather  the  mystic  St.  John's  wort  to-night, 
The  wonderful  herb  wliose  leaf  will  decide 
If  the  coming  year  will  make  me  a  bride!" 

And  the  glow-worm  came 

With  its  silvery  tlamo, 

And  sparkled  and  shone 

Through  the  night  of  St.  John, 
And  soon  has  the  maid  her  love-knot  tied. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit.  167 

With  noiseless  tvcad 

To  her  chamber  she  sped, 
Where  Ih    spectral  moon  her  white  beams  shed; 
Bloom  here,  bloom  there,  thou  plant  of  power. 
To  deck  the  young  bride  in  her  bridal  hour; 
But  it  drooped  its  head,  that  plant  of  power. 
And  died  the  mute  death  of  the  voiceless  flower. 

And  a  withered  wreath  on  the  ground  it  lay, 
More  meet  for  a  burial  thnn  a  bridal  day; 
And  when  a  year  was  passed  away 
All  pale  on  her  bier  the  young  maid  lay. 

And  the  glow-worm  came 

With  its  silvery  flame, 

And  sparkled  and  shone 

Through  the  night  of  St.  John, 
As  they  closed  the  cold  grave  on  the  maid's  cold  clay. 

When  Christmas  came  little  Fanchette  decked 
as  a  bride  stood  by  the  side  of  her  gallant  Ken- 
tuckian,  and  said  the  words  which  made  her  his 
"for  weal  or  for  woe."  She  told  him  afterwards 
the  story  of  St.  Jean's  eve,  and  transformed  him 
into  a  fervent  believer  in  grandmere's  supersti- 
tions. A  few  years  later  a  group  of  merry  chil- 
dren might  have  been  seen  in  the  Duchene  orchard 
burning  bundles  of  straw  under  the  trees,  whilst 
they  chanted  : 

Taupes,  chenilles,  et  mulots 

Sortez  sortez  de  vos  clos 
Ou,  je  vous  brule  la  barbe  et  les  os 

Arbres,  arbrisseaux 
Donnez  uxoi  des  pommes  a  minot. 


1 


II 


,,|!l.!^l 


168 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


liiiiilli 


L! i' 

1!. 


Translated  into  English  the  rhyme  means  : 

Caterpillars,  mice  and  moles 
On  this  instant  leave  your  holes, 
Crawl  forth  from  under  bark  and  stones 
Or  I  will  burn  your  beard  and  bones. 
And  may  the  trees  both  great  and  small 
Be  loaded  down  with  apples  all. 


[iii'ii 


lli  !i 


111  ■  ill 


I 


wm.  ,p; 


dli''' 


w 


XXIII 


i 


THE  CURSED  VILLAGE. 


A  Legend  of  L'Anse  Creuse. 

IT  WAS  on  a  glorious  September  morning  that 
our  carriage  rolled  along  the  picturesque  shore 
of  Grosse  Pointe.  The  soft,  misty  waves  of  fog 
which  trailed  over  the  smooth  cut  lawn  and  over 
tlie  broad  lake  were  gradually  curling  themselves 
into  graceful,  spiral  wreaths,  to  dissolve  in  the 
sunlight.  If  there  is  a  touch  of  sadness  in  Au- 
tunm,  an  indescribable  yearning  after  something 
indefinable,  there  is  a  strength  to  resist  the  de- 
pression in  the  fresh,  bracing  atmosphere  which 
lends  roses  to  the  cheek  and  buoyancy  to  the  step. 
Nature,  as  if  conscious  of  this  tinge  of  melancholy, 
dons  her  brightest  colors,  throws  around  her  that 
mystic,  mellow  light  which  rounds  the  sharjpest 


170 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


outlines  and  softens  the  roughest  landscapes,  and 
whilst  we  are  enchanted  by  her  gorgeous  devices 
we  forget  the  sad  reflections  of  this  season  of 
decay. 

We  passed  the  fashionabhi  drive,  bordered  by 
its  handsome  vilhis  with  their  evidences  of  culture 
and  refinement,  crossed  the  tottering  bridge  over 
Milk  River,  into  a  strange  country  and  a  past 
age.     Occasionally  signs  of  a  well-to-do  farmer 
greeted  us,  but  these  were  rare.     Silence,  monot- 
ony and  dilapidation  were  written  everywhere. 
The  lake  here  swept  majestically  into  the  shore 
forming  a  graceful  curve.     This  was  the  Bay  of 
L'Anse  Creuse    from  which  the  village  on    its 
banks  derived  its  name,   we  were  told.     Dim, 
shadowy  memories  of  a  legend  connected  with 
this  place  drifted  confusedly  through  my  brain, 
and  asking  the  driver  about  it,  he  told  us  that 
there  lived  not  far  an  old  habitant  who  was  well 
versed  in  all  such  lore,  and  who  would  be  but  too 
happy  to  have  a  listener.     Ten  minutes  later  we 
entered  a  humble  cottage,  stated  our  errand,  and 
were  received  with  that  genuine  courtesy,  the  pe- 
culiar heritage  of  the  French,  which  caused  Syd- 
ney Smith  to  envy  the  manners  of  his  cobbler  in 
Paris.     The  old  raconteur  introduced  us  to  his 
children  and  grandchildren,  who  eyed  us  politely, 
but  with  curious,  speculative  eyes,  unused  to  a- 


FT 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


171 


sudden  inroad  of  strangers.  The  habitant  evi- 
dently relished  telling  a  story,  and  smacking  lii» 
lil)s  after  the  manner  of  an  epicure,  told  us  the 
legend  of  L'Anse  Creuse. 

It  was  the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi  in  June,  and 
the  whole  neighborhoovd  of  L'Anse  Creuse  was  in 
a  whirl  of  excitement.  For  to-day  the  Bishop 
was  coming  from  the  fort  (Detroit)  accompanied 
by  the  new  pastor,  to  consecrate  the  little  chapel. 
Tlie  young  men  on  horseback  with  their  guns  to 
fire  a  salute,  had  gone  to  meet  thtm,  whilst  the 
children,  dressed  in  white,  bearing  :Howers  and 
looking  like  so  many  butterflies,  were  flitting  to 
and  fro,  and  the  habitants  in  their  Sunaay  attire 
were  gaily  chatting.  All  of  a  sudden  a  discharge 
of  guns  announced  the  near  approach  of  thv^  cleri- 
cal party,  and  in  a  few  moments  all  were  fc>rmed 
in  a  procession.  Banners  were  unfurled,  \oices 
were  raised  chanting  the  Te  Deum,  clouds  of  in- 
cense rose  to  perfume  the  air  and  the  pathway 
was  strewn  with  flowers. 

Thus  were  tliey  escorted  to  the  church,  and 
amidst  that  grand  silence  so  appealing  in  its  so- 
lemnity^, the  imposing  ceremonies  took  place. 
They  were  followed  by  a  short  but  eloquent  ad- 
dress from  their  new  pastor.  Father  Gabriel.  He 
thanked  them  for  their  welcome  and  hoped  that 
God  would  bless  his  efforts  ;  he  would  endeavor 


» 


Iliiiiiii 


172 


Le(jen(h  of  Le  Detroit, 


ili! 


!il';l|r  'irlillii'lliii'S'i;' 


•m\ 


to  prove  a  true  sliepliervl,  but  his  flock  must  aid 
him  to  keep  in  tlie  narrow  patli.  lie  alhidcd 
liglitly  to  thiit  greatest  of  all  temptations,  exces- 
sive drinking,  wliicli  brought  so  many  evils  in 
its  train,  and  whicdi  was  so  difl[i(;ult  to  overcome. 

Perhaps  the  eagle  eye  of  the  priest  had  noted 
the  recess  on  the  banks,  where  old  Francois  Fou- 
tenoy,  the  celebrated  Indian  trader  (who  had 
buried  a  brass  kettle  of  gokl  at  Presque  Isle,  and 
vv^hich  has  caused  as  many  explanations  and  con- 
jectures as  Kidd's  treasure),  had  tai)ped  a  barrel 
•of  genuine  eau  de  vie  to  api)ease  the  thirsty. 

After  the  blessing  all  dispersed  to  give  them- 
selves up  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  day.  The 
young  men  amused  themselves  by  shooting  in  the 
^ir,  which  caused  a  stranger,  who  seemed  by  his 
manner  and  dress  to  take  no  i)art  in  the  day's  re- 
joicing, to  say,  ''They  are  shooting  the  devil  out 
•of  the  neighborhood."  One  near  him  jes.ting]y 
replied,  "Perhaps  he  was  never  here  until  you 
came  ;  you  must  have  brought  him."  An  angry 
flush  crept  over  the  swarthy  face  of  the  stranger, 
who  with  a  muttered  something,  turned  on  his 
heels  and  joined  old  Fontenoy  and  his  flowing 
glass. 

This  man,  Lizon  by  name,  had  recently  settled 
at  L' Anse  Creuse.  Being  reserved  in  his  manner, 
he  merely  state(^   that  he  came  from  Monrreal. 


p  r' 


Legendn  of  Le  Detroit. 


173 


II(^  formed  a  contrast  to  the  light-liearted  villag- 
ers, who  lived  as  one  family,  shared  each  others 
Joys  and  sorrows,  and  who  were  closely  bound  by 
tlif  ties  of  early  association  and  relationship, 
iiizon  rejected  in  a  morose  manner  their  friendly 
overtures,  and  was  soon  left  to  the  solitude  he 
seemed  to  covet.  He  possessed  means,  for  he  had 
piucliased  land,  and  built  an  auberge  where  liquor 
was  the  chief  inducement. 

One  day  it  was  announced  that  Lizon  had  asked 
Julienne,  the  daughter  of  a  respected  habitant,  to 
marry  him.  The  amazement  of  the  good  people 
was  intense,  as  Julienne  was  a  sweet,  pious  girl, 
and  had  rejected  half  of  the  youths  of  L'Anse 
Crease,  whilst  this  Lizon  was  ugly,  cross-eyed 
and  had  a  halt  in  his  walk,  besides  had  never 
been  known  to  enter  the  church. 

How  he  won  the  damsel  was  a  sort  of  mystery 
to  all,  a  constant  theme  of  conjecture.  Some 
})()l(lly  said  it  was  sorcery.  The  parents  of  the 
girl  were  opposed  to  the  marriage,  but  seeing  how 
headstrong  she  was,  left  her  to  her  own  devices. 

Lizon  refused  to  be  married  in  church,  as  he 
would  then  be  obliged  to  attend  to  his  religious 
duties.  Julienne  besought  him.,  but  to  no  a^^ail. 
What  argument  he  used,  what  witchcraft  he  em- 
ployed, is  not  known,  but  Julienne  deserted  her 
home  and  came  to  live  with  Lizon.    Father  Gabriel 


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174 


Legeiids  of  Le  Detroit. 


who  had  been  absent,  returned  a  few  days  after 
and  found  his  community  excited  over  the  scandal. 
He  immediately  sent  for  both  culprits.  Neither 
obeyed  his  command.  The  following  Sunday 
he  hurled  against  them  the  fearful  ban  of  excom- 
munication, and  stated  that  Lizon  had  a  wife  and 
chiklren  whom  he  had  deserted,  living  in  Montreal. 
From  that  day  no  one  crossed  the  threshold  of 
Lizon' s  door, — the  grass  grew  rank,  and  seldom  was 
Julienne  seen.  Lizon' s  rage  knew  no  bounds;  he 
repaired  a  dilapidated  barn  and  there  kept  liquor 
for  all  who  desired  to  i)rocure  it.  Those  who  had 
feared  to  go  to  the  auberge  flocked  to  this  new 
place  and  soon  the  evil  influence  of  this  drinking 
was  felt.  The  peace  which  reigned  in  this  Arca- 
dia of  Lake  Ste.  Claire  was  broken  ;  dissensions, 
quarrels  and  scandals  arose.  The  voice  of  the 
priest  seemed  powerless  and  his  efforts  paralyzed 
by  the  demon  of  liquor. 

Julienne,  who  was  seldom  seen,  startled  the 
congregation  one  Sunday  morning  by  standing  in 
front  of  the  altar  and  asking  public  pardon, 
through  the  priest,  for  the  great  scandal  she  had 
caused.  All  in  the  church  were  melted  into  tears, 
and  the  voice  of  the  pastor  wf.s  tremulous  with 
emotion  as  he  welcomed  back  the  erring  sheep 
into  the  fold. 

When  Lizon  discovered  th3  flight  of  Julienne, 


|iiSipii"iii|';,||ii|l 


Legends  of  Iji  Detroit. 


175 


that  she  had  returned  to  her  God  and  to  her  par- 
ents, his  anger  was  fearful.     He  swore  that  he 
would  have  her  back,  that  he  would  spurn  any- 
thing that  stood  in  his  way.     The  bay  would 
sooner  break  its  bonds  than  he  forego  his  design. 
It  was  New  Year's  eve,  and  every  household 
was  making  preparations,  for  each  expected  a 
visit  from  the  d'  Ignolee,     This  is  an  old  custom, 
traced  to  France,  and  by  fragmentary  history  and 
tradition  away  back  to  the  Druids*  and  is  still 
kept  up  at  Grosse  Pointe  and  in  Lower  Canada. 
A  number  of  young   men  gatlier,  masked  and 
armed  with  stout  sticks,  and  visit  each  house  suc- 
cessively in  the  village.     They  halt  at  the  door 
and  sing  their  song.     They  are  bidden  in,  and 
after  greeting  the  host  and  hostess,  continue  their 
song  in  which  they  state  that  they  come  in  ac- 
cordance with  their  promise  to  visit  them  annu- 
ally.    "We  ask  but  little,"  they  say,  "a  little 


*Freya,  tlie  wife  of  Odin,  the  Saxon  god,  made  all  things  swear 
not  to  harm  Balder,  the  Sun,  except  the  mistleloe,  a  plant  so  di- 
minutive that  she  did  not  think  it  worth  noticing.  Lake,  god  of 
evil,  found  out  his  weak  point  however,  and  tearing  up  the  mis- 
tletoe gave  it  to  Odin,  the  blind  god,  who  with  it  fatally  pierced 
Balder.  That  was  the  fable,  and  it  was  to  prevent  Lake  from 
•slaying  Balder  that  the  Druids  .solemnly  sought  the  oak  trees  and 
gatlK.'retl  the  mistletoe  from  their  boughs  with  the  joyous  cry, 
"An  gui  I'an  neuf,"  of  which  Lad'Ignolee  is  a  corruption,  mean- 
ing tlie  mistletoe — the  new  year. 


170 


Legends  of  Le  Detroii',. 


mi 


iniii ;.  ii:'! :::.::.., 


WP 


piece  of  chignee,  nothing  more.  AVill  you  give 
it  ?  If  not,  say  so,  and  we  will  take  your  eldest 
daughter."  The  chignee  to  which  alhi«ioii  is  liere 
made  is  a  piece  cut  from  a  newly  slauglitered 
hog,  with  the  tail  depending  therefroui.  It  is  in- 
variably put  aside,  with  clothing  and  provisions, 
for  the  singers  who  place  the  offerings  of  all  in 
their  cart,  and  afterward  distribute  them  among 
the  poor. 

The  d'Ignolee  knocked  for  admittance  at  tlie 
door  of  Julienne's  father ;  they  were  welcomed  and 
received  their  offerings.  Whilst  the  party  was 
singing  a  sudden  cry  of  distress  caused  all  to  rush 
to  the  door.  Nothing  was  seen  and  the  d'  Ignolee 
immediately  departed.  The  father  called  Juli- 
enne for  the  evening  rosary  and  receiving  no 
answer,  went  to  her  room ;  she  was  not  there. 
Immediately  they  suspected  that  Lizon  was  among 
the  d'  Ignolee.  The  cry  they  had  heard  was  hers 
and  a  warning  to  the  rest  of  the  d'  Ignolee  to  leave. 
Messengers  Hew  to  stop  the  d'Ignolee  and  others 
ran  to  Lizon' s,  but  they  did  not  find  Julienne. 
Father  Gabriel  was  sent  for  and  he  went  to  de- 
mand Julienne  of  Lizon  who  laughed  at  him,  say- 
ing he  did  not  recognize  his  authority  and  did  not 
understand  why  he,  Father  Gabriel,  should  inter- 
fere with  what  did  not  concern  him.  The  priest 
answered  that  Julienne  was  one  of  his  Hock,  she 


wm}\ 


I  i 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


177 


had  willingly  left  Lizon  and  he  had  stolen  her.  A 
scream  for  help  from  the  house  was  heard  and 
Julienne's  father  and  others  rushing  in,  found 
her  and  brought  her  back.  The  night  of  horrors 
too  much  for  her ;  she  became  a  maniac. 


was 

Lizon,  maddened  by  liquor  and  at  the  defeat  of 
his  plans,  in  his  rage  struck  the  priest  in  the  face 
and  blasphemed  ev^erything  sacred.  A  few  sprang 
forward  to  seize  Lizon,  but  the  majority  looked  on. 

Father  Gabriel  raised  his  hands  and  said  that 
Lizon  has  brought  a  curse  on  the  place,  and  caused 
others,  by  his  bad  example,  to  follow  in  his  foot- 
steps ;  and  he  again  pronounced  the  awful  edict 
of  excommunication  against  him.  That  unless  he 
repented,  even  in  the  grave  he  should  have  no  rest ; 
and  all  who  aided  or  abetted  him  in  his  evil  deeds 
would  suffer.  Their  church  would  he  swept  away  hy 
the  rising  waters. 

Father  Gabriel  left  for  Fort  Pontchartrain,  and 
Lizon  took  every  occasion  to  distribute  his  vile 
liquor  and  to  malign  the  good  character  of  the 
priest.  But  somehow  nothing  seemed  to  prosper. 
The  season  set  in  wet  and  stormy,  the  fruit  failed 
to  ripen  and  was  blasted  on  the  trees.  The  crops 
were  all  destroyed  and  clouds  of  locusts  devoured 
the  young  grass.  Tlie  people  murmured  among 
themselves  and  looked  for  the  return  of  the  good 
priest,  whose  interest  in  their  behalf  they  had  re- 

12 


■''•K  , 


ill;!/ 


]?■ 


iiiii 

I;  ■■'  ■    ■"■'';iii'l  '■■■:W 


178 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


warded  with  ingratitude,  and  on  whose  departure 
disaster  had  come.  One  day  the  old  auberge  was 
closed,  and  it  was  said  that  Lizon  had  died  unex- 
pectedly. He  was  hurriedly  placed  in  a  coffin  and 
a  grave  dug  in  unconsecrated  ground.  As  tlie 
bearers  were  about  to  place  the  coffin  in  its  final 
resting  place,  they  suddenly  felt  it  grow  lighter, 
whilst  out  of  the  grave  issued  loathsome  serpents 
without  number.  For  many  days  these  occur- 
rences were  common  gossip.  Phantasmagorial 
forms  in  white  could  be  seen  moving  about,  and 
those  who  looked  towards  Lizon' s  grave  saw  it 
roll  and  heave,  whilst  the  feu  f ollet  skipped  about 
in  all  directions. 

A  fearful  storm  set  in,  lashing  the  waves  into 
foamy  billows  mountain  high  and  dashing  them 
against  the  shore  with  such  force  as  to  sweep  over 
the  road.  Higher  and  higher  the  waters  crept, 
climbing  up  towards  the  orchards  of  fine  Colville 
apples  and  the  stately  pears,  survivors  of  the  days 
of  "le  grand  monarch."  Closer  and  closer  the 
angry  surf  came  to  the  little  church;  the  water 
had  undermined  the  quicksand  beneai;h  it,  and 
with  a  groan  and  deafening  crash  it  sank  into  the 
mighty  element.  The  people  frightened  by  the 
fearful  disaster  fied  in  terror  to  the  woods,  where 
they  remained  through  the  night.  Day  dawned 
peaceably;  the  habitants  returned  to  their  deserted 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


179 


homes,  rebuilt  their  church,  and  by  their  prayers 
and  the  faithful  observance  of  their  duties,  re- 
moved the  curse  which  rested  on  L'Anse  Creuse. 


S«S«^ 


XXIV 


SANS  SOUCI  AND  OKEMOS. 


•V  ■;;] 


The  Legrend  of  a  Centen'STian. 

ONE  of  the  best  known  houses  in  Detroit  dur- 
ing the  early  part  of  this  century  stood  on 
the  north-east  corner  of  the  present  Wood- 
ward avenue  and  Woodbridge  street,  fronting  on 
the  latter,  then  "par  excellence"  the  fashion- 
able street.  A  hospitable  old  French  domicile 
was  this,  with  its  big  fire  place  occupying  nearly 
the  entire  side  of  a  room  in  the  centre  of  which 
was  a  stout  oaken  table  with  carved  legs  and 
rush-bottomed  chairs  around  it.  About  tlie  floor 
were  deer  and  buffalo  skins  on  which  unexpected 
guests  (frequently  chiefs  of  the  neighboring  Indian 
tribes)  might  stretch  their  weary  limbs  and  with 
their  feet  on  the  hearth  beguile  the  night  away. 


•^ 

¥' 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


181 


This  was  the  home  of  Gabriel  Godefroy,  agent 
of  the  Pottawatomies  and  Chippewas.  Style 
then  was  not  a  ruling  element  as  at  the  present 
time.  General  Cass  relates  that  when  he  ar- 
rived he  found  benches  instead  of  chairs  in  ordi- 
nary use,  and  that  an  old  bottle  was  frequently 
the  nearest  api^roach  to  a  candlestick ;  and  ser- 
vants being  scarce  he  who  served  himself  was 
best  served.  So  his  friends  often  saw  him  re- 
turning from  market  with  a  great  yellow  pump- 
kin under  his  arm,  and  on  occasions  of  necessity 
he  did  not  disdain  to  place  across  his  broad 
shoulders  the  neck-yoke,  a  certain  machine  with 
two  buckets  pendent  from  its  extremities,  which 
constituted  the  primitive  water  works,  the  river 
then  as  now  furnishing  a  never -failing  supply  of 
the  beverage.  Long  intercourse  with  the  Indian 
tribes  had  simplified  the  tastes  of  the  habitants 
and  brought  with  it  freedom  from  care  and  the 
calls  of  the  tax-collector. 

The  proprietor  of  this  house  previously  men- 
tioned, was  one  of  the  few  born  within  the  walls 
of  old  Fort  Pontchartrain  under  French  rule, 
who  survived  all  the  eventful  changes  and  who 
lived  to  serve  the  American  government  forty 
years.  His  boon  companions  were  Chabert  de 
Joncaire,  Descomptes  Labadie,  Francois  de 
Lastlle,   Jacques  Campeau,   Antoine   Beaubien, 


182 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


%!■   i      M 


Pierre  Navarre,  Antoine  De  Quindre,  Jacques 
Buperon  Baby,  Whittmore  Knaggs  and  other 
hardy  pioneers  of  this  outpost  of  civilization. 
Some  of  them  were  sure  to  happen  in  at  Gode- 
froy's  during  the  long  winter  evenings  and  would 
meet  there  such  chiefs  as  Tecumseh,  Black  Hoof, 
Walk  in  the  Water,  Okemos  (a  nephew  of  Pon- 
tiac)  and  others  whose  names  are  familiar.  The 
law  required  an  Indian  agent  to  keep  open  house 
for  all  representative  savages  who  chanced  to 
visit  the  post.  How  often  have  I  sat  by  the 
crackling  fire  of  blazing  logs,  listening  to  the 
wild  tales  of  Indian  fights,  wonderful  hunts,  hair- 
breadth escapes,  etc.,  etc.!  How  they  laughed  as 
they  told  the  story  of  old  Sans  Souci,  a  super- 
annuated mare  the  date  of  whose  birth  was 
beyond  the  ken  of  the  oldest  habitant !  This 
remarkable  animal  was  the  property  of  Gode- 
froy's  clerk,  Jean  Beaugrand,  a  mysterious  old 
bachelor  who  was  himself  looked  askance  at  by 
all  the  children  of  the  fort  on  account  of  a 
strange  habit  he  had  of  mumbling  to  himself. 
How  old  Sans  Souci  survived  for  so  many 
years  was  inexplicable,  for  she  was  sure  to  visit 
each  neighbor's  cornfield  or  watermelon  patch 
once  a  week,  and  before  escaping  therefrom  had 
to  run  a  wild  gauntlet  of  stones  and  sticks.  The 
more  stolen  provender  she  disposed  of  the  leaner 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


183 


she  grew,  until  at  last  she  became  a  veritable 
scarecrow.  No  fence  was  high  enough  to  keep 
herout,  «incl  there  was  a  tradition  that  she  had  once 
jinni)ed  the  pickets  of  the  fort,  twelve  feet  in 
heigiit.  In  case  some  over-exasperated  habitant 
sliot  at  her  she  would  merely  kick  up  her  heels 
and  switch  her  tail  by  way  of  return  salute.  A 
whip  or  club  had  no  effect  on  her  except  to  cause 
a  sort  of  scowl  and  a  malicious  laying  back  of 
tlie  ears.  On  bright,  sunny  days  she  would  saun- 
ter forth  on  the  narrow  streets  or  stand  with 
downcast  head  on  the  corner  for  hours,  evidently 
coHHTuining  with  herself  on  by-gone  scenes,  only 
aroused  by  a  dog  light  or  a  knot  of  idlers  dis- 
cussing politics  in  which  she  seemed  to  take  a 
lively  interest.  Occasionally  she  would  open 
wide  her  mouth  in  apparent  laughter  at  the  rec- 
olh^ction  of  some  old  joke.  At  other  times  she 
would  shake  her  head  wisely  and  blink  with 
the  dignity  of  a  sage  judge  delivering  a  pro- 
found opinion.  What  Sans  Souci  was  thinking 
about  no  one  could  tell ;  that  was  the  mystery. 
She  would  only  brighten  up  when  her  master, 
Beaugrand,  who  seemed  to  have  some  private 
understanding  with  her,  appeared  around  the 
corner  and  beckoned  her  to  the  barn  just  behind 
the  house,  l^^or  an  instant  a  reminiscence  of 
departed  youth  would  animate  her,  causing  her 


184 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


I  :''] 


!'  II    \-'S 


to  prick  up  lier  ears  anfl  for.i^et  lior  usual  snail- 
like pace,  in  exi)ectati()n  of  fodder  to  come.  Jean 
used  to  avow  that  years  before  his  old  mare  had 
broken  a  leg  in  a  race  on  the  ice  but  that  she 
kept  riglit  on  and  won  the  race  in  sj)ite  of  it. 
Tradition  has  it  that  a  line  of  steeds  whic^h 
sprang  from  this  same  mare  have  a  peculiar  habit 
of  cutting  up  the  same  capers,  even  to  this  day. 

It  was  in  1805,  the  year  of  the  famous  lire,  that 
a  number  of  French  and  Indians  were  seated 
around  Godefroy's  festal  board.  Numerous  pota- 
tions had  exhausted  the  jug  of  cider,  and  Oke- 
mos,  who  was  present,  became  clamorous  for 
something  stronger.  "You  will  have  to  find 
Jean,  then,"  said  Grodefroy,  "he  has  the  key  to 
the  cellar."  The  Indian  immediately  disappeared 
but  soon  after  returned  in  evident  terror.  He 
announced  that  seeing  a  light  in  Beaugrand's 
window  over  the  barn,  he  had  looked  through 
the  chinks  and  saw  Jean  seated  with  the  old 
mare.  Sans  Souci,  before  a  table  and  that  both 
v/ere  laughing  and  chatting  together.  It  was 
not  strange  that  an  Indian  should  believe  this, 
for  tliey  all  looked  on  bears,  wolves  and  beavers 
as  reasoning  beings,  and  only  prevented  from 
speaking  by  an  evil  spirit.  Godefroy,  to  the 
great  horror  of  Okemos,  exclaimed,  "  We  will 
see  about  this,"  and  followed  by  several  of  his 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


185 


French  guests  ascended  tlie  ladder  leading  to 
Jean's  room,  determined  to  put  an  end  to  this 
spiritual  seance.  A  Frenchman  who  cautiously 
peeked  through  a  crack  avowed  that  he  could 
see  Jean  playing  "seven-up"  with  the  old  mare, 
and  that  they  were  pouring  into  a  pewter  cup 
and  drinking  what  looked  by  lamplight  like 
melted  '  ^ass.  Godefroy,  indignant  at  such  non- 
sense, dashed  his  foot  against  the  door  which 
yielded.  Both  the  Frenchmen  with  him  declared 
they  saw  the  old  mare  leap  out  of  the  window 
when  the  door  flew  open,  but  Jean  on  being  ac- 
cused of  diabolical  work  insisted  that  he  was 
only  concocting  a  little  "cidre  au  charbon"  by 
the  light  of  his  lantern,  and  that  the  mare  would 
be  found  in  the  stable  below.  Okemos,  however, 
who  had  followed,  would  not  believe  this  story 
but  considered  Godefroy  a  *'big  medicine"  to 
dare  to  disturb  the  evil  spirit  at  his  meals.  Ever 
after  this  Godefroy' s  influence  with  the  Indians 
was  all-powerful.  As  to  the  old  mare,  her  days 
were  numbered.  A  few  weeks  later  the  cry  of 
fire  resounded  though  the  post,  and  in  a  few 
hours  not  a  single  habitation  was  left  to  indicate 
where  old  Detroit  had  stood.  The  old  barn,  of 
course,  was  burned,  and  the  supersritious  ones 
who  thought  that  Sans  Souci  was  carried  off 
by  the  devil  in  a  cloud  of  smoke,  were  shown  her 


186 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


^:A 


mu>L 


charred  remains  the  next  day.  There  were  many^ 
however,  who  asserted  that  they  saw  the  dreaded 
Nain  Rouge  (or  little  red  man),  the  traditional 
fiend  of  the  fort,  on  the  roof  of  the  barn  just 
before  it  fell  in,  and  that  he  grinned  and  chuckled 
as  he  did  on  the  day  the  old  i'l  ench  flag  was 
hauled  down.  When  war  broke  out  with  Eng- 
land, the  United  States  Government  by  a  mistaken 
policy  at  first  allowed  the  British  to  secure  con- 
trol of  the  Indian  tribes.  But  after  Winches- 
ter's defeat  and  the  cold-blooded  massacre  of 
Kentucky  troops,  Okemos  and  his  Chippewas 
with  manv  others,  were  secured  to  the  American 
cause  by  Godefroy's  influence."*   It  was  one  of  his 

*  Narrative  of  Elizabeth  Ann  Godefroy,  daughter  of  Judge 
James  May:  "About  two  weeks  after  the  battle  of  the  River 
Raisin,  during  the  absence  of  my  husband  from  home,  I  pur- 
chased a  prisoner  from  a  Pottawatomie  Indian  named  Ta-tas- 
sa.  This  was  in  the  month  of  February,  1813.  The  Indians 
were  about  to  burn  him  at  the  stake  in  the  yard  before  our  house. 
I  called  on  my  husband's  clerk  and  interpreter,  Raumaine  La 
Chambre,  and  said  to  him  that  he  inust  devise  some  way  to  save 
the  American.  Being  ill  and  near  the  period  of  confinement,  the 
interpreter  said  that  if  I  were  to  ask  of  the  Indians,  the  prisoner 
as  an  adopted  son  they  might  give  him  up.  So  I  followed  his 
advice,  and  on  hearing  the  request  they  shrugged  their  shoulders, 
saying,  'Oh!  oh!  it  is  bad  medicine  to  refuse  a  woman  in  your 
condition  anything,  but  this  is  a  Yankee  dog  and  we  must  burn 
him.'  I  then  asked  them  what  they  would  take  for  his  ransom. 
They  replied,  one  hundred  dollars.  Having  but  ten  dollars  at 
hand  I  offered  them  a  fine  black  horse  well  saddled  and  bridled^ 


.■.;:!■;  ijil 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


isr 


friendly  Indians  that  brought  Godefroy  the  first 
news  of  Perry's  victory,  and  the  enthusiastic 
Frenc^linian  hastened  to  promulgate  it  from  house 
to  house,  lightening  the  hearts  of  a  people  almost 


bolon.Ejing  to  my  husband,  with  two  bundles  of  dry  goods  and  ^ 
lot  of  silver  work  (for  Indian  use)  togetl-c*  with  the  ten  dollars  in 
money,  in  all  worth  some  two  hundred  dollars.  But  the  Indians 
replied,  'This  is  not  money  to  us  and  we  will  not  sell  him.'  I 
then  told  them  through  the  interpreter  tliat  we  had  in  the  cellar 
a  tive-gallon  keg  of  whiskey.  At  this  they  held  a  council  among 
themselves,  and  finally  sold  me  the  prisoner  and  went  their  way. 
Ills  name  was  John  Henry,  from  Louisville,  Kentucky.  He  said 
his  wife's  name  was  Nancy  Burnet,  and  that  he  had  a  child  six 
months  old  named  Valentine.  Immediately  after  the  purchase  I 
gav.'  iiim  something  to  eat,  and  had  the  interpreter  shave  off  his 
beard  and  dress  him  in  the  garb  of  an  old  French  voyageur,  so  as 
to  disguise  him  as  much  as  possible,  fearing  that  when  the  whis- 
key was  all  gone  the  Indians  would  return  and  demand  the  pris 
oner,  or  more  whiskey,  which  was  not  to  be  had  at  any  price. 
After  a  short  rest  I  sent  the  prisoner  under  charge  of  a  French- 
man to  my  father,  Judge  May,  of  Detroit,  whom  I  desired  to  at- 
tend to  his  exchange,  which  he  did  by  sending  my  brother,  James 
May,  Jr.,  with  him  to  Major  Muir,  British  Commandant.  As  I 
had  anticipated  the  Indians  returned  by  daylight  and  brought 
back  all  that  I  had  given  them  except  the  whiskey  and  demanded 
the  prisoner  ,or  more  whiskey.  I  told  them  through  the  inter- 
preter I  had  given  them  all  I  had  and  they  then  began  a  search 
about  the  house  for  the  prisoner.  La  Chambre  said  to  them: 
'  Now  you  see  the  poor  woman  after  paying  you  well  for  the  pris- 
oner has  lost  all  she  gave  and  her  adopted  son  also,  for  your  Brit- 
ish father  sent  his  soldiers  here  last  night  and  took  him  away  from 
her.'  So  half  believing  the  story  they  left  for  the  border  of  the 
woods  thinking  he  might  possibly  be  concealed  there.  The  pris- 
oner on  leaving  promised  to  write  to  me  but  if  he  did,  his  letters 
never  reached  us." 


I     :i 


iif-Yrr 


188 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


driven  to  despair  by  Proctor's  tyrannies  and  the 
insatiable  exactions  of  his  savage  allies. 

While  the  site  of  the  old  house  is  still  in  pos- 
session of  Godefroy's  descendants,  the  ground  on 
which  the  old  barn  stood  is  occupied  by  a  police 
station,  and  from  the  shrieks  and  groans  that 
often  emanate  from  some  of  its  frenzied  occupants 
while  under  the  influence  of  potations  of  strych- 
nine (modern  whiskey),  we  may  well  infer  that 
the  ghosts  of  both  Sans  Souci  and  the  Nain 
Rouge  still  haunt  the  spot. 


XXV 


THE  SIBYL'S  PROPHECY. 


itlTP'^ 


A  Legend  of  the  Huron  Village. 

T  WAS  in  August,  1806, 
The  Hurons,  following 
their  usual  yearly  custom 
had  come  to  camp  near  the 
church  in  Sandwich,  to 
celebrate  what  was  then 
called  "Le  Festin  des 
Sauvages,"  (The  Indian 
Feast).  After  assisting  devoutly  at  mass,  they 
liled  out  one  by  one  according  to  grade,  for  these 
monarchs  of  the  forest  were  as  tenacious  of  their 
rank  as  the  Ancienne  Noblesse  of  France,  who 
even  respected  the  rights  of  precedence  in  mount- 
ing the  ste  3S  of  the  guillotine. 


'n  r 


■  ^vl 


190 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


A  gi'and  feast  was  prepared  in  tlie  grove  to 
which  were  invited  the  clergy  and  those  of  the 
habitants  whom  the  Hurons  knew  well  and  desired 
to  honor.  The  menu  was  not  in  strict  conformity 
to  the  rules  of  the  superb  epicure,  Brillat  Sava- 
rin.  But  those  who  partook  of  the  repast  were 
reared  in  that  healthy  atmosphere  which  demands 
no  sauce  piquante  to  suggest  appetite  to  blase 
palates.  It  consisted  of  a  soup  made  of  game  to 
which  were  added  corn  and  summer  squash ;  fresh 
fish  from  the  clear  waters ;  abundance  of  game, 
well  dressed;  praline  made  of  parched  corn  pound- 
ed between  two  stones  and  mixed  with  maple 
sugar  (supplying  the  place  of  the  modern  baker's 
loaf  to  the  wayfarers  of  early  times) ;  sagamite,  a 
porridge  made  of  corn,  and  fruit  completed  the 
bill  of  fare. 

Among  those  present  was  Angelique  Couture 
who  had  been  the  "queteuse  "  for  the  collection 
in  the  church  that  day,  a  task  she  performed  in 
that  easy,  graceful  manner  peculiar  to  the  French 
girl.  Another  guest  was  Francois  Navarre,  whose 
father  was  prominently  connected  with  the  Indian 
trafiic,  and  whose  fluent  tongue  had  won  for  him 
the  sobriquet  of  Robiche  (the  speaker).  Francois 
inherited  his  sire's  facile  and  happy  speech  which, 
added  to  charming  and  persuasive  manners,  gained 
him  many  strong  allies  among  the  fair  sex  both 


•m- 


fl' "f  rP 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


191 


i 


of  Sandwich  and  Detroit.  He  was  distantly  re- 
lated to  Angeliqne  and  made  that  slender  tie  a 
favorable  i)retext  to  seek  frequently  the  society  of 
the  bright-eyed  coquette  who  even  carried  the 
witchery  of  her  charms  so  far  as  to  captivate  the 
hearts  of  the  savage  braves. 

As  soon  as  the  meal  was  over  the  young  men 
gave  themselves  up  to  their  favorite  game  of  ball, 
the  chiefs  smoked  in  dignified  repose  their  be- 
loved calumet.  The  children  clustered  around 
'4e  bon  pere"  to  hear  some  holy  legend,  whilst 
others  more  volatile  pursued  the  many  hued 
butterflies.  The  young  squaws  swept  away  the 
debris  of  the  feast,  pausing  now  and  then  to 
caress  the  little  dusky  papoose  who,  suspended 
in  the  birchen  cradle  on  the  bough  of  a  tree,  was 
swayed  lazily  by  the  breeze. 

Angelique  finding  no  amusement  to  divert  her, 
proposed  to  two  of  her  companions  that  they 
should  seek  the  prophetess  of  the  tribe,  of  whom 
they  had  heard  most  marvelous  tales.  The 
proposition  rather  frightened  the  timid  girls, 
but  Angelique  excited  their  curiosity  to  such  a 
degree  that  they  eagerly  followed  her,  and  as  they 
leisurely  strolled  along  she  kept  up  their  courage 
by  her  inimitable  mimicry  until  the  forest  rang 
with  their  joyous  laughter. 

Suddenly  a  turn  in  their  path  brought  them 


'    >■  *'l 


192 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


face  to  face  with  the  object  of  their  search.  Loan- 
ini?  over  and  stirrino:  a  kettle  oq  the  srnoiildeririir 
fire,  was  the  fiu;ure  of  a  woman  who  was  chai\tinir 
in  a  low  monotone  a  song  of  incantation  to  which 
she  liept  time  by  the  swaying  motion  of  her  body. 
Tliis  was  the  dreaded  Sibyl  whose  solitary  hab- 
its, strange  wanderings  and  wonderful  gift  of 
prophecy  had  thrown  a  veil  of  mystery  over  her 
which  few  had  ever  attempted  to  raise.  No  one 
knew  her  history  save  that  she  had  been  made  a 
captive  years  before.  She  always  followed  the 
tribe  to  its  various  encampments,  yet  lived  a 
apart,  never  crossing  a  threshold  save  in  cases  of 
severe  sickness.  Her  knowledge  of  the  different 
healing  herbs  was  considered  equal  to,  if  not 
greater  than  that  of  the  renowned  medicine  men. 
The  old  hnbitants involuntarily  crossed  themselves 
when  the  strange,  stern  woman  passed  them. 

The  girls  on  the  impulse  of  the  moment  thought 
of  flight,  but  were  arrested  by  an  unaccountable 
fascination.  The  woman  evidently  had  heard 
their  approach,  for  she  turned  slowly  and  raising 
herself  up  to  her  full  height  displayed  a  tall,  com- 
manding figure,  a  face  bronzed  by  exposure,  and 
eyes  accustomed  to  lonely  vigils.  She  asked  in  a 
deep,  sonorous  voice,  "What  do  you  seek  \ "  Sum- 
moning up  courage  Angelique  tremblingly  replied^ 
"Knowledge  of  the  future."     " Heedless  ones," 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


193 


she  replied,  "  read  it  for  yourselves  ;  it  is  written 
everywhere,  on  the  broad  face  of  the  sky,  on  the 
leaves  of  the  trees.  Ere  niiiny  moons  this  very 
soil  will  become  the  scene  of  caiTiage;  the  air  will 
be  tilled  with  lamentations.  These  woods  which 
liave  re-echoed  to  vour  careless  merriment  will  re- 
sound  to  the  savage  warwhoop  and  the  tomahawk 
will  gleam  in  the  upraised  hands.  Lovers  will  be 
separated,  wives  will  be  made  widows  and  chil- 
(liv^n  orphans.     Go,  you  have  heard  enough." 

Passively  obeying  her  imperious  gesture  the 
girls  silently  retraced  their  steps,  with  the  gay 
smiles  frozen  on  their  lips  and  the  sunlight  faded 
from  their  eyes.  But  their  other  companions 
joining  them,  enticed  them  into  the  mysteries  of 
the  moccasin  game,  and  with  the  careless  insou- 
ciance of  youth  they  forgot  for  the  moment  the 
Sibyl  and  her  gloomy  predictions. 

The  great  comet  of  1812  shortly  afterwards  ap- 
peared as  a  premonition  of  war,  and  to  the  super- 
stitious there  were  other  signs  of  illomen  and  dis- 
aster. War  was  soon  declared  and  spread  its  devast- 
ing  iniiuence  over  the  land,  converting  this  fair 
region  into  a  scene  of  bloodshed  and  rendering  its 
peaceful  homes  desolate.  Angelique's  brothers 
fought  under  the  banner  of  St.  George,  her  lover, 
Francois,  under  the  Stars  and  Stripes.  These 
were  days  of  anguish  and  suspense  to  the  sad 

13 


■i'i 


194 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


watcliers  at  home,  and  Angelique\s  lieart  was 
divided  in  its  allegiance.  She  heard  of  the  batth-s, 
of  the  terrible  massacres,  of  the  sad  fate  of  the 
prisoners,  but  received  no  tidings  of  her  lover. 

One  day  Proctor  2)assed  through  Sandwicli  on 
his  way  to  his  encanq)ment  near  the  church,  and 
elated  by  his  recent  success  at  the  battle  of  the 
river  Haisin,  was  displaying  in  x>i'^'i^l  triuini)li 
his  captives,  Avhose  dejected  mien,  travel-worn  and 
wearv  forms  covered  with  dust,  ai  sealed  to  tlu' 
tender  symj)athies  of  the  spectatois. 

Among  them  Angelique  recognized  the  stately 
figure  of  her  lover.  Stunned  by  the  blow  she  did 
not  realize  its  full  meaning,  nntil  the  sorrowful 
procession  had  x^assed.  Shortly  afterwards  to  hei' 
great  surprise,  Francois  knocked  for  admission; 
being  so  well  known  he  had  been  paroled  until 
sunset,  and  one  hour  he  had  to  sjiend  with  his  be- 
loved. Sad  was  the  interview,  bitter  the  parting; 
for  them  there  was  no  morrow.  The  well-known 
character  of  Proctor  whose  cruelty  equalled  that  of 
his  savage  allies,  left  no  hope  for  intercession.  The 
girl  clung  to  herjover  and  frantically  besought  liiiri 
to  fly,  to  avail  himself  of  his  liberty,  to  escape 
the  frightful  death  at  the  stake  which  awaited 
him  on  the  morrow.  Her  tender  pleadings  might 
well  unnerve  a  strong  man,  but  honor  triumphed 
and  pointing  mutely  to  the  setting  sun,  Frjui- 


II      !|l 
III 


Leq^nds  of  Le  Detroit, 


195 


cois  wrenched  himself  from  her  detaining  arms 
and  with  her  despairing  criey  ringing  in  his 
ears,  reached  the  camp  as  tlie  sun  was  sinking  be- 
low the  horizon. 

This  act  of  extreme  honor  commanded  even 
Indian  appreciation,  and  tliey  Jeft  him  nnbonnd. 
Snd  and  mehnncholy  were  liis  thonglits.  How  mnch 
dint  parting  with  Angelique  cost  1dm,  and  Ins 
stniggh'  with  love  and  honor  his  altei'ed  fac<^  be- 
trayed. Memories  of  the  past  greeted  him  eveiy- 
wliHre,  with  no  ray  of  hope  to  gihl  the  gloom  of 
sorrow. 

Savage  cries  of  exultation  awoke  the  doomed 
man  fi'om  his  meditations.  He  saw  the  Indians  had 
all  rushed  to  the  beach  to  welcome  new  prisoners 
who  were  landing,  and  in  the  hurry  of  the  moment 
had  left  him  ungaurded.  His  pra(;ticed  eye  took  in 
the  situation  and  commending  his  soul  to  his 
Maker,  he  had  vanished  into  the  forest  before  the 
barbarous  warwhoojjs  told  him  that  his  depart- 
ure had  been  discovered,  and  that  the  red  fiends 
were  in  pursuit. 

A  squad  of  Dickson's  noted  savages  hideous 
in  war  paint  and  feathers,  surrounded  Ange- 
hque's  home.  The  interpreter  explained  that 
Fravicois  Navarre  had  reported  himself  as  prom- 
ised, but  taking  advantage  of  an  unguarded  mo- 
ment had  escaped.    The  Indians  were  impatient  to 


lift! 


I. 


!    1 


tA 


:\  ; 


1,.^) 


t    .i     ;r 
I  .1    ^» 


i  ■  I 


n 
I 


m\ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


enter,  and  the  interpreter  no  longer  able  to  restrain 
them,  said  that  the  house  must  be  searched.  Ange- 
lique  thanked  God  that  her  lover  had  escaped 
but  trembled  at  the  idea  of  his  capture,  for  it 
seemed  impossible  for  him  tc  elude  his  pursuers. 
The  house  swarmed  with  the  savages  who  left  no 
spot  unvisited.  Even  the  chimneys  were  exam- 
ined and  the  beds  pierced  by  bayonets,  until  satis- 
fied that  the  fugitive  was  not  there,  the  Indians 
leaving  a  guard  in  case  he  should  seek  refuge 
there,  withdrew. 

An  Indian  chief  came  to  Angelique  a  few  days 
later  and  triumphantly  pointed  to  a  fresh  scalp 
which  hung  at  his  belt,  which  the  wretched  girl 
thought  her  lover's.  The  suspense,  followed  by 
what  she  imagined  was  his  tragic  fate,  was  too 
much  for  her  to  bear,  and  she  gradually  began  to 
fade.  Soon  afterwards  a  well-known  token  from 
her  lover  found  its  way  to  her  which  brought  life  to 
her  heart  and  health  to  her  cheeks.  She  learned 
later  that  he  had  kept  to  the  forest  until  he 
reached  w'  are  now  is  Walkerville,  where  he  found 
a  canoe  and  crossed  to  the  American  side.  After 
the  war  there  was  great  rejoicing,  for  the  happy 
lovers  were  united. 


pr 


XXV I 


CAPTAIN  JEAN. 


A  Legend  of  the  First  Militia. 

ALEXIS  Trotier  des  Ruisseaux  belonged  to  a 
distinguislied  family  of  Quebec  ;  lie  came  to 
Detroit  to  join  his  brother-in-law,  the  brave 
and  chivalrous  Picote  DeBellestre,  the  last  French 
Commandant  of  Fort  Pontchartrain.  J)es  Ruis- 
seaux here  met  and  wedded  the  beautiful  and  as- 
cetic Catherine  (lodefroy  de  Marboeuf,  whose  pious 
deeds  have  come  down  in  fragmentary  tradi- 
tions to  her  brother's  descendants,  who  to-dav 
reside  in  Detroit,  and  who  revere  and  honor  the 
memory  of  their  saintly  ancestress.  Alexis  was 
the  first  trustee  of  Ste.  Anne's  Church,  and  the  hrst 
captain  of  militia. 
In  1760,  when  the  lily  of  France,  which   had 


11! 


ID.s 


Leyeiulfi  of  Le  Jjitroit. 


bloomed  for  sixty  years  on  the  fair  soil  of  its 
ado])tion,  drooped  before  the  liery  standard  of 
Kngland,  many  of  the  old  cnstonis  and  traditions 
of  the  Frencii  I'egime  lay  cradled  in  its  folded 
petals. 

It  was  not  until  iSo,")  that  the  militia  system 
was  resuscitated  from  the  dust  and  eobwt^bs  of 
the  past,  though  an  attempt  was  made  in  179(5  by 
Acting  Gov.  Saigeant.  But  Gen.  Hnll  af tei'  or- 
ganizing the  Territorial  Government,  formed  the 
tirst  regiment  of  militia.  It  consisted  of  ei,u'ht 
companies,  drawii  from  every  \  art  of  the  territory, 
except  the  District  of  Erie.  Jean  Cecire  was 
among  the  first  of  the  French  habitants  who 
joined  the  new  militia.  To  the  diplomatic  pol- 
icy of  the  Americans,  anxious  to  conciliate  the 
French  element,  was  he  indebted  for  his  rank  of 
Captain  in  the  First  Regiment  of  Michigan.  He 
never  f idly  recovered  from  the  shock  of  the  honor, 
and  became  so  tlioroughly  imbued  with  the  im- 
l)ortan(^e  of  his  position,  that  every  detail  of  his 
dress  and  every  action,  bore  the  impress  of  this 
great  event  in  his  career. 

His  conceit,  pretentions  manners,  and  exag- 
gerated self-importance,  were  endless  sources  of 
fuerriment  to  the  old  habitants,  who  possessed 
exquisite  finesse  in  quickly  detecting  the  foibles 


Leyouh  of  Le  Detroit. 


199 


(►f  others,  ;in(l  wtM'e  hap])y  in  their  p'uiu.ante  re- 
iiinrks,  to  wliich  tlie  indes(MihabU'  and  <'xpressive 
shnii»*  of  the  shoiiMer,  lent  its  hiiirioroiis  eliarm. 

.lejiii  would  lT(M|ueiitly  ,u'0  to  see  tlie  regMihir 
troops  diill.  'IMieir  severe  discijjliue  and  military 
exactness  sorely  puzzled  him,  and  \iv  thought  it 
must  be  owing  to  the  words  of  command  being 
given  in  Ent;lish,  in  which  there  was  a  liidden 
fna.ii'ic.  Tlis  knowledjue  of  tlie  hmguage  was  al- 
most as  limited  as  his  use  oi*  tiie  ])en,  tliouuii  his 
inuenuity  concpiered  tlie  lattei'  difficulty.  The 
names  of  the  men  of  fus  c()mi)any  wei'e  pi-inted 
in  order,  so  he  used  a  pin  to  X)unch  a  hole  after 
the  name  of  the  absentee.  But  tliat  toni^ue  of 
his,  so  facile,  so  easy  to  control  in  French,  was 
positively  frozen  in  lOnglish.  l^y  wonderful  strug- 
gles he  succeeded  in  thawing  it  into  the  semblance 
of  broken  English. 

The  American  officers  stationed  at  tlie  fort,  to 
the  great  delight  of  Capt.  Jean,  would  frequently 
request  to  be  present  at  tlie  drills,  and  the  recital 
afterwards  by  a  graceful  and  graphic  tongue  of 
these  rare  and  quaint  maiKiMivres,  awoke  the 
echoes  of  the  mess  room.  It  is  to  be  regretted 
diat  one  officer  at  least,  who  had  talent  for 
sketching,  left  no  record  of  these  strange  scenes. 
He  would  have  won  a  debt  of  gratitude  from 
even  this  unleisuiely  age. 


m\ 


m 

■I   ■■ 


W  \   , 


It',!" 

'!i 

■t  ■• ,  f. 


J!y 


200 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


The  time  of  the  general  training  had  arrived, 
and  Capt.  Jean  was  ordered  to  drill  his  company 
on  the  commons.  No  haughty  Scottish  chieftain 
ever  surveyed  his  tartan  clan  with  prouder  mien, 
or  more  happy  feelings  surging  in  his  heart,  than 
Jean  his  motley  recruits.  Some  were  in  imi- 
form,  others  in  the  gay  dress  of  the  habitants, 
and  their  pieces  and  accoutrements  represented 
every  variety  known  to  the  history  of  arms. 

Gren.  Hull  was  too  exacting  in  his  requirements 
in  time  of  peace,  and  demanded  the  same  nicety 
of  order,  dress,  etc.,  as  in  the  regulars,  which 
caused  anger  and  insurbordination.  He  forgot 
that  these  stepsons  of  France,  though  they  in- 
herited the  bravery  and  love  of  glory  inseparable 
"rom  the  French  character,  had  been  placed  in  a 
strange  position  by  the  various  changes  of  gov- 
ernment. They  had  been  forced  to  adopt  a  pas- 
sive policy,  which  had  buried  their  enthusiastic 
natures  beneath  a  crust  of  indifference  and  indo- 
lence. Their  easy  going  life  had  little  prepared 
them  to  assume  at  once  the  rigid  discij)line  of  the 
camp  which  Hull  tried  to  enforce,  though  gradu- 
ally they  would  have  recognized  its  utility  and 
quietly  submitted. 

Capt.  Jean  ordered  the  Sergeant  to  call  the  roil. 
He  immediately  proceeded  to  obey,  the  Captain 
standing  by  in  the  full  glory  of  regimentals. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


201 


Sergeant — "Attention,  Companie  Francais  Ca- 
nadians! Answer  your  name  when  I  call  it,  if 
you  please.     Tock  Tock  Livernois  % ' ' 

No  answer;  at  last  a  voice  says,  "Not  here, 
gone  catch  his  lambreuer  (fast  pacer)  in  the  bush." 

Captain — "Sergeant,  put  peen  hole  in  dat  man ! 
Go  head!" 

Sergeant — "  Laurant  Bondy  ? " 

"Here,  sah." 

"  Claude  Campau  V 

"Here,  Monsieur." 

"Antoine  SaliotteT' 

Some  one  answers — "Little  baby  came  last 
night  at  his  house,  must  stay  home." 

Captain — "  Sergeant,  put  one  preek  on  dat 
man's  name." 

Sergeant — " T  'enfant  Riopelle  ? " 

"Here,  sah." 

Sergeant — "Pitou  Laforest?"  -; 

"Here,  sah." 

Sergeant — "Simon  Meloche?" 

"Not here.  Gone  to  spear  mushrat  for  argent 
blanc." 

Captain — "  Sergeant,  take  your  ])in  and  scratch 
dat  man." 

After  the  roll  was  called  and  the  absentees 
pricked  the  Captain  proceeded  to  drill  his  com- 
pany. 


f 


rr^ 


VM 


'iSH 


n'l 


fl'l    f:X 


I.    !,ii>.:k.  ■ 


lilPJili  iVpil  „ 


202 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


Captain — "  Marchoe !  Mes  camarades,  deux  par 
deux  (two  and  two)  like  oxen,  and  wlien  you 
come  to  dat  stump  stop.'' 

Tliey  all  made  for  the  place  and  get  there  in  a 
heap,  looking,  with  their  various  colored  dresses, 
like  a  rainbow  on  a  spree.  Disgusted  at  their 
awkwardness,  the  Captain  gave  them  a  few  min- 
utes relaxation.  Instead  of  resting  "au  militaire," 
they  rushed  off,  one  to  smoke  his  beloved  pipe, 
another  to  polish  his  carbine,  whilst  others  amused 
themselves  sitting  on  the  grass  and  telling  about 
the  races. 

The  Captain  called  them  to  try  again.  Tliis 
time  he  said:  "Marchee  as  far  as  dat  Soulier  de 
b(Euf  (old  shoe)  in  de  road,  den  turn  I  Right, 
gauche,  left  about !  Shoulder  mus-^^t^/^^  .^  Avance 
done,  back  !     Drill  fineesh  ! ' ' 

An  English  Sergeant  drilled  the  company  diu*- 
ing  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  a  source  of  great  ad- 
miration to  Capt.  Jean. 

At  the  battle  of  Mongaugon  Capt.  Jean  led  his 
company.  They  fought  well  and  bravely,  but  he 
lost  his  Sergeant  and  his  men  began  to  waiver. 
Jean  was  brave  but  powerless  to  rally  them,  or 
make  them  fall  in  ranks.  He  forgot  the  few 
words  of  command  he  was  master  of,  and  great 
beads  of  perspiration  stood  on  his  brow.  At  last 
he  broke  forth : 


Lpgench  of  Le  Detroit. 


203 


"Fix  yourself,  ns  pauvre  Jim  did,  den,  by  Gar, 
follow  me." 

Many  years  afterwards  a  son  of  (^apt.  Jean, 
who  had  inherited  liis  father  s  military  taste  and 
some  of  his  peculiarities,  once  met  old  Oshkosh, 
Black  Hawk's  celebrated  lieutenant. 

The  dusky  warrior  was  quietly  seated  in  one  of 
the  inns  of  the  day,  enjoying  his  calumet,  envel- 
oped in  a  soft  mist  of  smoke  which  wove  his 
thoughts  with  the  past.  Suddenly  a  loud  voice 
resounded,  and  a  gay  figure  entered  with  a  swag- 
gering bearing,  rudely  snai)ping  the  thread  of 
Oshkosh' s  reverie.  Many  were  present  who  knew 
the  old  brave' s  aversion  to  the  militia,  and  thought 
of  amusing  themselves  at  his  expense ;  so  they 
introduced  Lt.  Cecire.  From  under  his  bushy- 
eyebrows  the  Indian  gazed  at  him  and  grunted 
forth : 

"  Infantry  T' 

''No,"  was  the  rei)ly. 


"Dragoon?" 

"No." 


"Artillery  r^ 

"No." 

Pausing  a  moment  to  think  if  there  were  another 
branch  of  the  service  in  which  to  locate  the  Lieu- 
tenant, suddenly  a  light  dawned  on  the  Indian' s 


204 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


mind.  Hastily  jumping  up,  he  witli  a  most  dis- 
gusted expression  hissed : 

"Melish^^ 

"Yes,"  was  tlie  triumphant  reply. 

"Oh,  h — 1,"  said  Oshkosh,  and  rushed  from  the 
house. 


XXVII 


KENNETTE'S  VISION. 


A  Legrend  of  Sprinsrwells. 

A  FEW  years  ago  the  figure  of  an  old  woman 
was  frequently  seen  on  our  principal  streets, 
whose  quaint  dress,  erect  bearing  and  keen 
piercing  eyes,  challenged  the  attention  of  every 
passer-by.  She  seemed  to  be  a  relic  of  a  past  age, 
who  had  strayed  by  accident  into  the  present  and 
was  at  variance  with  her  surroundings.  To-day, 
after  slumbering  for  fifteen  years,  her  restless 
spirit  seems  to  revive  and  cause  agitation  in  civil 
as  well  as  political  circles. 

Marie  Louise  Thebault,  generally  called  "  Ken- 
nette,"  well  known  to  the  older  portion  of  our 
French  community  and  by  tradition  to  its  younger 
m  embers,  dwelt  in  a  little  old  wooden  house  on 


H  ; 


iff 


200 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


the  River  road,  opposite  tlie  Lafferty  homestead. 
A  stately  elm  threw  its  majestic  shadow  over  the 
humble  dwelling,  seeming  to  shield  it  from  rude 
winter  blasts  and  to  protect  it  from  the  summer's 
intense  sun.  Alone  she  lived  here  like  a  hermit. 
Her  sister  had  married  agfinst  lier  wishes,  for 
Kennette  was  no  advocate  of  matrimony.  She  be- 
lieved in  woman's  rights  ;  was  a  sort  of  pioneer 
in  that  doctrine  among  the  peo2:)le  of  those  tunes, 
and  to-day  would  have  been  a  powerful  ally  to 
the  leading  spirits  of  the  question. 

A  distinguished  writer  says:      "Show  me  a 
man's  room  and  I  will  tell  you  his  character." 
Kennette' s  dress  forcibly  illustrated  the  applica- 
tion of  the  remark.    It  was  stamped  by  her  strong 
individuality.    At  all  seasons  she  wore  a  calico 
dress,  rather  scant,    short  enough    not  only  to 
clear  the  ground,  but  to  bring  out  in  bass-relief  an 
ankle  whose  outline  freed  it  from  all  suggestive- 
ness  of  symmetry.     Hooks  and  eyes,   and  even 
buttons,    were  superfluous  luxuries  when  pins 
could  be  substituted,   and  failing  these  a  thorn 
would  answer.    A  red  handkerchief  around  her 
nc  k  was  crossed  on  her  breast;  a  coarse  cotton 
cap  with  a  deep  frill,   innocent  of  starch  and 
fluting,  emphasized  each  movement  of  that  decided 
head  ;  a  check  sunbonnet  for  outside  wear,  a  blue 
umbrella  and  a  pair  of  stout  shoes  of  her  own 


T 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


20: 


manufacture,  completed  a  costume  as  character- 
istic as  it  was  unique. 

She  seemed  to  scorn  tlie  usual  gentler  accom- 
plishments of  her  sex,  yet  with  a  strange  incon- 
sistency frequently  found  in  positive  natures,  she 
hated  man,  but  adopted  his  pursuits.  Never  did 
her  voice  keep  time  to  the  music  of  the  spinning 
wheel,  nor  did  the  steel  needles  flash  through 
those  tingei's  knitting  stockings  in  which  so 
many  weave  the  history  of  their  past,  or  build 
castles  for  the  future.  Seated  on  a  wooden  beiu^h, 
with  all  the  cobbler's  implements,  she  would  vol- 
unteer to  midve  shoes  for  the  children  and  warrant 
their  durability,  and  even  the  most  pronounced 
hoyden  found  Miss  Kennette's  sabots  ^/tV-^  de  re- 
mfance,  which  defied  everything  save  beauty. 

No  cat  ever  basked  in  the  warmth  of  her  hearth, 
no  cow  stood  in  her  stall,  no  dog  barked  a  joyous 
welcome  as  she  crossed  the  threshold  of  her 
dreary  and  lonesome  home.  These  were  luxuries 
only  for  the  wealthy,  she  said.  Her  means  were 
more  than  sufficient  to  gratify  her  simple  tastes 
and  to  allow  her  some  indulgences,  but  she  was 
penurious  to  a  miserly  extent.  The  neighbors 
along  the  River  road  all  knew  her  well,  and  al- 
ways gave  her  vegetables  and  fruits.  Her  evenings 
were  invariably  spent  out  to  save  light  and  fuel, 
and  it  was  a  rare  treat  and  a  token  of  ])ai'ticuhu' 


208 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


good  will  if  Miss  Kennette  brought  her  violin.  She 
had  a  good  ear  for  music,  and  with  cultivation 
might  have  been  an  excellent  performer,  but  her 
untutored  efforts  were  rather  crude.  The  children 
would  cluster  around  her  at  a  respectful  dis- 
tance, for  Miss  Kennette  was  a  warm  advocate  of 
the  doctrine  that  "  children  should  be  seen,  not 
heard."  Woe  to  the  little  urchin  whose  percept- 
ive powers  were  too  keen  and  who  dared  to  ask  why 
Miss  Kennette  used  so  much  rosin,  and  was  al- 
ways shifting  corners,  complaining  one  was  too 
warm,  another  too  cool  for  her  violin,  and  why 
she  did  not  make  it  speak  like  George  Maison- 
ville's  (a  noted  fiddler  in  those  days).  A  tingling 
sensation  and  a  peculiar  redness  of  the  ear  warned 
the  luckless  boy  not  to  repeat  his  questions. 

She  read  much,  and  mostly  works  that  tended 
to  render  her  skeptical  in  religious  matters.  She 
had  no  patience  with  those  who  told  her  wonder- 
ful stories  of  apparitions.  She  was  always  ready 
for  an  argument,  and  would  emi)hasize  her  dec- 
larations with  expressions  which,  though  original 
were  more  forcible  than  elegant.  Toward  the  close 
of  her  life  an  incident  happened  which  invested 
her  with  more  than  usual  interest,  caused  a  de- 
cided change  in  her  religious  belief  and  left  its 
impress  upon  her  character.  There  are  many  still 
living  who  have  heard  her  relate  it  and  who,  know- 


T    [. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


20J) 


iii.ii:  the  strong,  self-ieliant  nature  of  tlie  woman, 
could  not  help  being  deeply  impressed. 

It  was  a  bright  mooidight  night,  and  Kennette 
was  s])ending  the  evening  with  a  neighbor  wlio 
li\<'d  near,  and  amnsingall,  as  usual,  by  her  quaint 
and  piqnante  conversation.  She  was  relating  how 
slic  had  allowed  an  elderly  fi'iend  of  hers  to  rent 
;i  loom  in  her  house,  so  that  by  the  ai'rangement 
she  would  not  only  get  a  little  rent,  but  conld  nse 
the  fire  and  light  of  her  boarder  ;  that  this  person 
was  always  i^reaching  to  her  and  destroyed  all 
her  pleasure,  and  that  if  her  instincts  of  econ- 
omy were  not  so  well  developed,  she  would  not 
,i>o  near  her.  "It  is  not  pleasant,"  she  said,  "to 
be  told  that  the  books  I  read  are  wicked,  that  they 
instill  poison  into  my  heart,  and  that  when  I  am 
old  I  will  be  stranded  on  the  shore  of  remorse  and 
despair.  Well,  to  hnsh  her  np  I  ni^ide  an  agree- 
ment. 'I  don't  believe  in  hell  or  jK^i'gatory,'  I 
said,  '  so  if  yon  die  iirst  come  back  ;  if  I  shoukl,  I 
will  return.  Just  appear  and  I  will  know  that 
tliere  is  such  a  place.'  " 

The  bargain  was  made,  and  Kennette  for  a  while 
sunned  herself  in  the  borrowed  warmth  of  another's 
tire  and  had  contentment.  But  the  restless  Ken- 
nette soon  quarreled  with  the  boardei',  a  good, 
pious  soul,  and  told  lier  she  would  never  forgive 

her  for  some  imaginary  wrong  she  fancied  the  old 
14  "^ 


I 


S )  !  i 


210 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


woman  had  done  lier.  Shortly  afterwards  tlie 
boarder  died,  and  Kennette  stood  inflexibly  and 
sternly  beside  the  dying  bedside  and  said  she 
would  not  forgive,  but  their  compact  would  hold. 

Whilst  she  was  talking  to  her  neighbors  one 
evening  and  sipi^ing  cider,  of  which  she  was  very 
fond,  one  of  the  boys  of  the  house  returning 
from  town,  asked  Miss  Kennette  why  she  left  a 
light  burning  in  her  house,  for  knowing  the  old 
woman's  miserly  habits,  he  had  thought  it  strange. 
Jumping  up  and  seizing  a  poker,  she  said  she 
would  go  over  and  find  out  who  dared  enter  her 
habitation.  Others  accompanied  her.  Nothing 
but  darkness  reigned  there,  although  the  boy 
said  positively  he  had  seen  a  light ;  they  thought 
probably  it  was  the  light  of  a  fisherman's  boat 
passing  on  the  river,  and  dismissed  the  subject. 
But  night  after  night  the  same  occurrence  took 
place  and  people  spoke  abont  it  and  avoided 
passing  near  the  old  house.  It  always  happened 
on  an  evening  when  Miss  Kennette  was  awav. 

Worried  by  the  reports,  and  having  witnessed 
this  shifting  light  and  searched  everywhere  for  it, 
Miss  Kennette  determined  to  discover  the  cause, 
for  she  was  not  at  all  superstitious  nor  afraid  of 
anything. 

One  evening  she  returned  earlier  than  usual, 
softly  let  herself  in  by  the  back  door  and  imme- 


Legends  of  Lc  Detroit. 


211 


diately  retired.     Hardly  luid  she  composed  her- 
self to  sleep,  when  she  saw  the  reilec'tion  of  a  dim 
light  on  the  wall  at  the  head  of  the  stairs.     The 
upper  room  was  not  divided  and  the  staircase  was 
in  the  (;enter.     The  light  grew  larger  and  larger, 
as  if  a  person  were  carrying  it  up  the  stairs. 
Seated  bolt  upright  in  her  bed,  which  was  in  a 
corner  of  the  room  near  the  west  window,  Ken- 
nette  watched  for  the  solution  of  a  mystery  which 
liad  so  long  battled  her.     A  stranger,  to  fear  she 
was  cool  and  collected,  and  patiently  w^aited  the 
developments.     At  last  the  light  seemed  to  have 
arrived  on  the  top  step.     It  was  no  candle,  no 
lantern,   but  a  peculiar  vivid  white  light.      It 
glided  along  the  wall  and  as  it  came  nearer  to  her 
bed,  it  suddenly  assumed  the  outlines  of  a  figure 
draped  in  cdouds.     Then  a  tremor  ran  through 
her.     Her  blood  became  chilled;  new  sensations 
crept  over  her.     Rousing  herself  she  rubbed  her 
eyes,  saw  she  was  not  dreaming  and  realized  that 
it  was  no  idle  fancy  but  a  fearful  reality.     Slowly 
was  the  apparition  gliding  along  towards  her.  See- 
ing she  must  do  something  to  arrest  its  progress, 
she  said  :  "  Come  no  nearer  ;  I  know  you.  I  believe 
and  I  forgive,"  and  as  the  mysterious  light  came, 
so  it  disappeared. 

From  that  day  forward  all  noticed  a  change. 
The  dark  hair  was  bleached,  wrinkles  were  writ- 


V.  1 


"f 


\m 


212 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


ten  on  that  stern  t'lu^e  jind  ji  Hofter  expression 
played  over  it.  She  returned  to  tlie  i'aitliful  pei- 
formance  of  her  spiritual  duties,  and  tlie  Nemesis 
which  liad  liaunted  lier  steps  appeared  satisfied, 
for  the  weird  li<i:lit  was  seen  no  more  in  h^r  des- 
olate home. 


XXVIII 


THE   FISHERMAN   OF   GROSSE  POINTE. 


m 


A  Legreud  of  the  Qrand  Marais. 

GROSSE  POINTE  was  peciili.irly  congenial  to 
the  early  settlers  by  its  position,  its  beauty 
and  other  advantages.  Perhaps  a  shadow 
of  sentiment  rested  upon  it  in  its  suggestion  of 
picturesque  Normandy,  souvenirs  of  which  were 
tenderly  cherished  by  the  pioneers.  Wlierever 
we  go  we  carry  the  image  of  our  early  surround- 
ings, and  unconsciously  a  new  place  or  scene 
appeals  to  us,  by  the  resemblance  it  bears  to  this 
revered  picture.  The  imagination,  like  a  skillful 
diplomate,  catches  its  clue  from  the  heart,  and 
weaves  its  alluring  net- work  of  enchantment. 
Even  inanimate  objects-  contribute  to  this  decep- 
tion, for  we  remain  attached  to  the  down  on  which 


mi  r 

I,      I      ': 
■  1      '      ;• 


214 


.Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


our  prosperity  has  slumbered,  and  still  more  to 
tlie  straw  on  whicli  we  counted  the  days  of  our 
adversity. 

The  waters  of  Lake  Ste.  Claire  grow  shallow  as 
they  near  the  shores  of  Grosse  Pointe,  as  if  un- 
willing to  break  the  harmonious  silence  by  liar  slier 
sounds  than  the  low  breathing  of  its  waves  on  the 
pebbles,  thus  affording  a  safe  haven  from  severe 
storms,  and  allowing  the  timorous  to  stray  a  great 
distance  out  without  fear  of  a  worse  fate  than  a 
ducking.  Here,  as  along  "La  Cot*^  du  Nord  Est," 
fishing  was  extensively  carried  on,  and  with  the 
same  avidity  as  at  x)resent.  An  old  tradition  says 
that  here  two  bachelor  brothers  resided,  whose 
skill  in  the  mantifac^^ire  of  nets  and  whose  suc- 
cessful hauls  of  fish  were  widely  known,  Hyx)olite 
and  Pierrish  Tremblay  by  name.  The  elder  was 
surnamed  Le  Grascon,  from  the  wonderful  things 
he  reported  having  seen,  and  from  his  supersti 
tious  nature.  They  exchanged  their  daily  catch  of 
fish  with  their  neighbors  for  corn,  I'huile  d'ours 
(bear's  oil),  a  dainty  edible  then,  ami  otl^er  nec- 
essaries. 

Their  pursuits,  like  the  commercial  ventures  of 
modern  times,  v/ere  subject  to  fluctuations.  One 
autumn  their  nets  were  frozen  into  the  ice  by  a 
sudden  sharp  cold.  When  the  early  spring  thaw 
came,  it  broke  up  the  nets  and  carried  them  away. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


215 


More  provident  than  the  average  fun-loving  Ca- 
nadian, they  had  sufficient  "livres  tours"  (the 
oiirrency  of  the  day)  to  begin  anew.  3omehow 
hu'k  deserted  them  and  appeared  to  luive  drift- 
ed away  in  the  broken  meshes  of  tlie  old  nets, 
for  morning  and  evening  when  they  drew  in  the 
seine  it  was  empty,  save  for  a  few  meagre  herring 
and  hungry  catfish,  instead  of  the  succulent  white 
fisliand  muskallonge/^  The  X)ros])ect  seemed  dark 
for  the  lisliermen,  and  a  plenary  court  of  Lent 
would  soon  reign  if  matters  contimu'd  thus  much 
longer. 

"Let  us  consult  le  bon  pere,"  said  Pierrish, 
tlie  vounorer,  after  the  brothers  had  Ixm^u  discuss- 
ing  the  precarious  situation.  "  l^ah  ! ''  answered 
ny])olite  with  a  feeble  expression.  He  was  much 
gi\en  to  profanity,  had  received  several  rebukes 
on  that  score  from  the  priest,  and  hence  was  not 
friendly  toward  him.  "  He  can  do  nothing  ;  some 
enemy  has  '  donnee  le  sort'  (bewitched)  our  fishery, 
it  is  no  use  trying  to  do  anything :  I  am  going 
elsewhere,  you  may  remain  if  you  wish."  So  the 
brothers  separated,  one  to  search  for  new  fishing 
grounds,  the  other  to  consult  the  priest.  Pierrish 
laid  the  situation  before  the  cure,  who  listened 
attentively,  then  said,  "Mon  fils,  choose  iSt.  Pat- 


*Musl;anoge,  corrupted  into  Muskallonge,  is  the  finest  fish  o 
the  lakes. 


\M 


I  1  •! 


il 


210 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


rick  as  y()iir7])artner  and  divide  eacli  day's  catcli 
with  liiiri,  selling tlie  Saint's  x>ortion  fortlie  i)oor.'"^ 

On  liis  homeward  way,  Pierrisli  revolved  in  liis 
mind  the  advice  of  the  priest,  and  made  a  solemn 
vow  to  follow  it  strictly.  Full  of  hope,  he  cast 
his  nets  that  evening,  promising  it  to  be  the 
Saint's  portion ;  the  morning  haul  he  would  mod- 
estly reyerve  for  himself.  So  when  the  net  came 
in  it  was  filled  with  fish,  and  while  his  catch  in 
the  morning  was  empty,  the  Saint's  was  always 
full.  He  x>ondered  over  the  matter  and  was 
strongly  tempted  !^ to  keep  the  Saint's  i)ortioii. 
H^-polite  taunted  him  with  his  ill-luck,  yet  Pier- 
rish  remembered  his  vow  and  conscientiouslv 
brought  the  fish  for  sale,  giving  the  proceeds  to 
the  x)oor.  Finding  that  this  mode  was  ruining 
him,  he  again  visited  the  priest  and  told  him  of 
his  misfoi'tune.  The  x>riest,  after  hearing  his 
story,  said : 

' '  Your  simple  faith  and  honesty  will  meet  with 
its  reward.  Divide  the  proceeds  of  each  net  with 
your  j)artner.  You  have  stood  a  test  of  honesty 
which  few  in  your  position  could  have  done." 
From  that  time  Pierrish  became  so  successful  that 


*  It  was  a  beautiful  custom  then  to  bring  to  the  church  door  the 
first  fruits,  fish  or  game,  of  the  season,  selling  them  to  the  highest 
bidder,  the  proceeds  going  to  the  poor,  and  for  masses  to  relieve 
the  suffering  souls  of  purgatory. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


217 


he  vviis  known  as  "the  liidvY  lishernum  of  Grosse 
Pointe." 

Hypolite  met  with  indifferent  success,  w^as  al- 
wa^^s  warning  his  brother,  and  looked  with  dis- 
trust upon  this  saintly  partnership.  His  super- 
stitious nature  always  conjured  up  some  evil 
oinen.  "You  will  be  inveigled  into  the  lake  and 
turned  into  a  lish.  Do  you  not  remember  the 
Indian  legend  relative  to  the  origin  of  the  poisson 
blanc,  formed  of  the  brains  of  a  woman  whom  the 
Manitou  had  loved  for  a  while,  then  cracked  her 
skull  on  the  rocks  of  Sault  Ste.  Marie  ^  Your 
partner,  St.  Patrick,  will  play  you  a  trick. 
Did  he  not  eat  pork  chops  on  Friday  by  dipping 
them  in  water  and  changing  them  into  orthodox 
trout?    Beware!" 

Pierrish  would  only  smile  at  his  vagaries.  One 
day  he  was  startled  by  Hyi)olite  rushing  into  the 
house  in  a  state  of  nervous  excitement,  wringing 
his  hands  and  saying : 

•'Some  terrible  disaster  is  to  befall  one  of  us.'' 

"  Explain  yourself,"  said  Pierrish. 

"Well,"  said  Hypolite,  "  as  1  was  leaving  Bap- 
tiste  Cochois,  five  miles  from  here,  the  cock  crew 
and  Baptiste  said,  'You  will  meet  company  on 
the  road,  that  cock  tells  vou.'  I  was  trotting 
along  in  my  charrette  (cart)  when  I  spied  a  lady's 
muff  by  the  wayside.     Thinking  it  was  strange 


i^'iii  HI 


mn 


t._..    ■■■Ill 


218 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


to  see  sucli  an  article  at  this  mild  season,  I  got 
out  to  secure  it.  As  soon  as  I  approached  it  the 
muff  began  rolling.  Becoming  angry,  and  thinking 
the  motion  was  caused  by  the  wind,  I  still  pursued 
it,  but  in  vain  ;  it  eluded  my  grasp.  Thoroughly 
frightened,  I  jumped  into  the  charrette  and  trotted 
away  as  fast  as  I  could,  but  the  terrible  thing 
followed  me  and  actually  jumped  into  and  out  of 
the  cart.     It  must  be  the  Manchon  Roulant."^- 

Pierrish  said,  "If  you  had  had  holy  water 
instead  of  brandy  in  that  bottle,  you  could 
have  exorcised  that  spirit.  Go  back  where  you 
saw  the  Manchon  Roulant ;  if  it  is  still  there, 
cross  yourself  and  boldly  wjdk  up  to  it,  and  be- 
fore attempting  to  pick  it  up  ask,  '  What  day  of 
the  month  is  Christmas  day  ? '  "  f  Hypolite,  in 
fear  and  trembling,  returned  to  the  place,  and 


*Manchon  Roulant.  A  superstition  devoutly  believed  in  many- 
years  ago,  and  still  traditional  among  the  habitants  of  Grosse 
Pointe. 

f There  were  said  to  be  two  means  to  exempt  oneself  from  any 
evil  consequences  arising  from  the  tricks  of  the  most  malicious  of 
goblins.  The  first  was,  on  meeting  the  goblin  to  ask  it,  ' '  What 
day  of  '  ,  month  is  Christmas  day?  "  The  goblin,  which  is  never 
very  well  up  in  the  calendar,  will  reply  by  asking  the  same  ques- 
tion. Woe  betide  the  traveller  if  he  hesitates  in  answering.  The 
second  means  was  by  placing  two  sticks  in  the  form  of  a  cross 
on  meeting  a  goblin. 

Parents  were  very  particular  in  teaching  their  children  to 
remember  the  day  Christmas  came  on,  to  protect  them  from  the 
feu  f ollet. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


219 


sure  enough  the  dreaded  object  was  there.  Fer- 
vently crossing  himself,  he  cautiously  aj)proached 
the  mysterious  thing,  which,  strange  to  say  re- 
mained immoveable.  Closer  he  approached  the 
mysterious  ball  of  fur,  and  with  eager,  out- 
stretched hands  was  ready  to  seize  it,  when  sud- 
denly bethinking  himself  of  the  question  to  put 
to  it,  in  his  excitement  h..  olurted  forth  his  usual 
oaths.  Instantly  there  streamed  forth  a  counter 
blast  as  from  a  fiery  furnace,  and  a  terrible  odor 
filled  the  air,  which  struck  him  full  in  the  face. 
Hypolite,  nearly  suffocated,  in  two  bounds  reached 
the  lake,  and  as  soon  as  he  had  recovered  con- 
sciousness exclaimed,  "La  bete  puante."  His 
brother  impressed  it  upon  him  that  it  was  a  pun- 
isliment  for  his  profanity,  and  whenever  after- 
wards the  Manchon  Roulant  was  mentioned  as  a 
marvelous  thing,  it  was  observed,  that  Hypolite 
suddenly  disappeared. 


m 


T^ 


T 


5 


!;    i    v?s 


XXIX 


THE  GHOST  OF  MONGAUGON. 


A  Iiegrend  of  Hull's  Surrender. 

THE  dark,  blackened  ruins  of  a  city,  its  poor 
stricken  habitants  gazing  with  tear-stained 
eyes  on  the  gray  ashes  of  their  homes  and 
hopes.  Such  was  the  scene  which  greeted  the 
newly  appointed  Territorial  Governor  Hull,  Stan- 
ley Gfriswold,  the  Secretary,  and  Augustus  Wood- 
ward, the  Chief  Justice,  on  their  arrival  at  Detroit 
the  morning  of  the  6th  of  June,  1805.  The  night 
before  a  destructive  fire  had  swept  away  every 
vestige  of  the  old  French  town.  Its  quaint  houses 
constructed  of  square  logs,  the  steep  roofs  pierced 
with  dormer  windows  and  crossed  with  ladders  in 
case  of  fire,  its  narrow  streets  of  sixteen  feet  and 
sidewalks  a  foot  wide  formed  of  hewn  logs,  its 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


221 


^^^  !i  ^1 


Norman  and  Indian  relics,  the  quaint  old  furni- 
ture valuable  only  for  its  association  with    the 
past,  decrees,  deeds,  letters  and  documents  price- 
less legacies  to  the   historian,  perished  in  that 
night.     Fate  seemed  to  say,  "This  is  a  holocaust 
to  departed  memories.     The  cross  of  St.  George, 
the  lily  of  France  have  been  dismantled,  but  the 
bright  stars  gleam  like  gems  of  promise  through 
the  tattered  shreds.     Cheer  up,  the  past  claims 
only  your  tears,  the  future  will  bring  to  you  pros- 
perity and  happiness  which  you  have  sought  in 
vain  for  an  hundred  years."    Judge  Woodward 
recognized  the  moment  as  a  propitious  one  to  win 
the  hearts  of  the  French  settlers,  and  thus  elo- 
quently championed  their  rights,  when  it  became 
necessary  to  divide  the  land  and  partition  it  among 
the  dispossessed  habitants:    "He  will  not  argue 
with  you  on  your  laws,  or  your  forms,  or  your 
systems  of  policy  and  government.      He  looks 
only  for  that  pittance  of  soil  on  which,  perhaps, 
he  drew  his  breath.     He  cannot  be  intimidated 
by  threats,  nor  be  induced  to  part  with  his  lands, 
the  hopes  of  himself  and  family,  by  any  allure- 
ments of  money.     Tell  him  that  you  will  dispos- 
sess him  ;  he  folds  his  hands  with  a  pious  resigna- 
tion and  commits  the  event  to  God.     Amidst  the 
collisions  of  nations,  the  incessant  din  of  arms, 
the  tide  of  revolution,  he  has  lost  a  country  to  love 


ilHilP 


u 


222 


Ler  of  Le  Detroit. 


and  by  which  j  loved  in  return.  Cast  among 
strangers  to  his  language,  his  jurisprudence  and 
religion,  he  asks  only  a  small,  obscure  spot  upon 
the  earth  on  which  to  spend  in  x^eace  the  fleeting 
transit  of  his  existence." 

A  new  town  had  sprung  from  the  ruins  of  the 
old  one,  and  the  poor  country- tossed  settlers  had 
thought  that  at  last  they  were  anchored  in  peace. 
The  tocsin  of  war  was  sounded  again  in  1812. 
Gov.  Hull,  enfeebled  by  age,  and  perhaps  too 
friendly  toward  the  enemy,  was  defending  the 
beleaguered  garrison  against  a  powerful  force  of 
British  with  their  countless  savage  allies.  The 
brave  troops,  under  Cass,  Mc Arthur  and  other 
gallant  leaders,  were  readyto  shed  their  blood  for 
the  defence  of  the  settlement.  The  militia,  long 
versed  in  Indian  warfare,  felt  confident  of  repel- 
ling the  foe.  A  series  of  preliminary  skirmishes 
were  constantly  going  on.  It  was  a  trying  crisis 
for  the  habitants;  many  families  were  divided, 
members  of  each  being  arrayed  on  opposite  sides. 
Angus  Mcintosh,  a  Scotch  gentleman,  dwelt  with 
his  charming  family  on  the  Canadian  shore.  His 
daughter  Marie  was  beloved  by  a  young  Canadian 
officer  named  Muir,  but  who  was  too  timid  to  de- 
clare his  love. 

On  the  9th  of  August  an  attack  was  to  be  made 
at  Mongaugon  on  a  body  of  Americans  by  a  force 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


223 


of  British  troops  and  Wyandot  Indians  under 
their  celebrated  chieftain,  Walk  in  the  Water. 
The  command  to  which  Lt.  Muir  belonged  was 
assigned  the  post  of  honor  and  i^eril,  the  forlorn 
hope  in  the  projected  expedition.     He  felt  that 
now  was  the  time  to  tell  his  love,  that  he  could 
fight  better  knowing  that  he  bore  Marie's  color 
and  was  cheered  by  her  smile.     Obtaining  a  short 
leave,  he  presented  himself  at  the  Mcintosh  man- 
sion and  found  his  lady-love  alone.     He  pleaded 
his  cause  wath  all  a  soldier's  ardor.     Some  un- 
accountable freak  of  coquetry  made  her  turn  an 
indifferent  ear  to  his  passionate  ai)peal.     She  had 
been  annoyed  at  his  timid  wooing,  and  reasoning 
with  a  girlish  logic,  was  determined  to  retaliate. 
TJie  young  officer  Ud  not  understand  these  tactics, 
and  overcome  by  the  disappointment  to  his  cher- 
ished hopes,  he  hastily  left   the   house.     Marie 
thought    he  was   only  piqued.      ''  He  certainly 
must  know  that  I  love  him,"  she  argued,  "men 
are    so    stupid    and    matter-of-fact ;    they  take 
months  to  make  up  their  minds  to  w^oo  a  girl,  and 
if  she  do  not  immediately  say  'yes'  feel  them- 
selves aggrieved  and  wounded."     Seeing  that  he 
did  not  return  she  became  anxious,  and  going  to 
the  door,  called  him,  but  only  the  mocking  echo  of 
his  steed' s  retreating  hoofs  returned  to  her  ear. 
That  evening  when  she  retired  to  her  room,  the 


224 


Leyemh  of  Le  Detroit. 


shadow  of  a  great  iinpendirii;'  woe  seemed  to  hover 
about  her.  The  long,  weary  hours  of  the  niglit 
were  measured  by  lier  tears  and  self-reproaclies. 
Towards  morning  exliausted  nature  asserted  her 
claim,  and  the  anguisli-rent  lieart  lay  in  her  em- 
brace. But  brief  was  the  slumber.  Marie  was 
awakened  by  the  sound  of  miiftied  footsteps  near 
her  bedside.  Hastily  drawing  aside  the  curtain  she 
saw  her  lover  standing  near  her  couch,  the  bright 
moonlight  revealing  every  detail  of  his  figure. 
His  face  was  that  of  a  corpse,  whilst  blood  oozed 
from  a  ghastly  wound  in  his  forehead.  A  faint- 
ness  seized  her  as  she  heard  a  far-away  voice  say, 
"  Fear  not,  Marie,  I  fell  to-night  in  honorable  battle. 
I  was  shot  through  the  head.  My  body  lies  in  a 
thicket.  I  beg  you,  rescue  it  from  the  despoiling 
hand  of  the  savage  and  from  the  wild  beasts  of 
the  forest.  The  Americans  will  not  long  exult. 
Traitors  sit  around  theii*  camp  tires  and  listen  to 
their  councils.  Our  blood  has  not  been  shed  in 
vain.  The  standard  of  old  England  will  float 
again  over  Detroit.  Farewell,  may  you  be  happy.' ' 
As  he  spoke  he  touched  lightly  her  right  hand. 
At  that  terrible  sensation  of  coldness  born  onh'  of 
the  grave,  she  sank  into  unconsciousness. 

The  sun  was  flooding  her  room  when  she  re- 
turned to  her  senses,  and  to  a  dim  remembrance 
of  a  most  frightful  dream.     Trying  to  recall  each 


••       R 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


225 


(letiiil  she  suddenly  glanced  at  lier  linnd,  jind  to 
lier  lioiTor  saw  tliat  it  liad  been  branded  by  the 
phantom  toucli;  there  was  its  impress  left  by  det>p, 
(lark  marks.     It  was  not  then  a  dream   but  a 
reality,  and  a  sacred  mission  had  been  intrusted 
to  her.     Hurriedly  throwing  oh  her  garments  she 
called  for  her  horse,  bade  a  servant  follow  her, 
and  rode  at  full  speed  to  Brock's  camj)  at  Maiden. 
Here  all  was  in  a  state  of  commotion,    l-'ie  found 
Walk  in  the  AVater,   whom  she  knew  well,  as- 
tonished him  by  telling  him  about  the  battle, 
and  induced  him  to  paddle  her  in  a  canoe  over 
the  river  to  the  battle  held.     Here,  in  the  thicket, 
with  a  bullet  hole  in  his  head,  she  found  her  dead 
lover,  and  ordered  the  savages  to  take  his  remains 
to  Sandwich  for  burial.     On  that  sad  anniversary 
foi'  many  years  afterwards,  the  ghostly  form  of  a. 
British  officer  could  be  seen  gliding  through  the 
shady  groves  of  Mongaugon  towards  the  river. 
Marie  won  later  the  love  of  a  noble  man  who  had 
heard  of  her  early  romantic  story.     Ever  after- 
wards she  wore  a  black  glove  on  her  right  hand, 
and  every  9th  of  August,  dressed  as  a  mendicant, 
sandal  footed,  she  went  from  house  to  house  from 
Sandwich  to  Windsor  asking  alms  for  the  poor. 
It  was  a  penance  self-imjjosed  in  atonement  for 
her  pride  and  coquetry. 
The  soldier's  prediction  proved  true.     On  the 

IS 


1  'i 


,.:i4W 


^Tf    T 


I?.  I 


226 


Legends  of  Jx  Detroit. 


m 


16tli  of  August,  whilst  Judges  Monm  and  With- 
ereli  (then  mere  boys,  but  who  in  their  patriotism 
had  enrolled  themselves  in  Jacques  Campeau's 
company)  were  on  guard,  they  noticed  a  white 
flag  suddenly  hoisted.  The  excitement  was  in- 
tense when  it  was  learned  that  it  was  the  signal 
of  surrender.  So  unexpected,  so  uncalled  for 
an  event  caused  the  soldiers  to  doubt  it.  Gen. 
Cass,  in  his  indignation,  broke  his  sword  in  pref- 
erence to  giving  it  up  to  the  enemy,  an  example 
followed  by  many  others.  As  the  British  troops 
marched  in  triumph  into  the  fort,  the  long  line  of 
French  militia  stood  with  bowed  heads  and  tears  of 
shame  coursing  down  their  bronzed  faces,  as  for 
the  fourth  time  they  saw  the  flag  they  felt  so  able 
to  defend  changed  for  that  of  their  hereditary 
foes. 

Wayne  Co.,  from  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne,  who  first  raised  the 
Stars  and  Stripes  over  Detroit. 

Woodward  Ave.,  from  Augustus  Brevoort  Woodward,  the 
first  Chief  Justice  of  Michigan. 

Gbiswold  St.,  after  Gov.  Hull's  Secretary. 

Bates  St.,  from  Judge  Bates. 

Shelby  St.  ,  from  the  gallant  Kentucky  Governor. 

Croghan  St.,  from  a  young  officer  who  distinguished  himself 
in  the  war  of  1812. 

Cass  Ave.,  also  Cass  St.,  after  Gen.  Lewis  Cass. 

Macomb  St.,  after  Gen.  Alex.  Macomb. 

Through  the  ignorance  of  street  car  conductors,  and  the  lack  of 
interest  or  veneration  for  the  past  evinced  by  some  members  of 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


227 


the  Common  Council,  the  old  syistcm  of  nomenclature  was  changed 
and  the  numerical  one  adoi)ted.  The  intelligences  of  those  who 
advocated  this  system  seems  to  have  been  limited  to  a  knowledge 
of  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  and  the  numerals. 

A.UPENTB. — The  French  arpent  is  a  s(iuare,  the  side  of  which 
is  19  feet  3  inches. 

The  American  acre  is  a  square,  the  side  of  wliicli  is  208  feet 
8^  inches. 


'I  mi 


i  ^1" 


Ifl^" 


if 


THE  EVE  OF  EPIPHANY. 


A  Leerend  of  Perry's  Victory. 


^^^^  HE  visitor  to  DetroitVs  "Hotel  de  Ville" 
(City  Hall)  will  notice  on  either  side  of 
the  main  entrance,  two  "long  nines" 
mounted  on  stone  carriages.  These  grim  sen- 
tinels are  the  trophies  of  the  great  "Battle  of 
Lake  Erie."  The  proud  Mistress  of  the  Seas  for 
the  first  time  in  Aer  history  was  forced  to  sur- 
render an  entire  ti'3et,and  to  children  whose  grand- 
sires  she  had  cradled.  Young  America  points  to 
these  cannons  with  pride  and  a  glow  of  patriot- 
ism steals  into  his  heart  as  he  reads  the  thrilling 
account  of  the  battle.  The  grey  haired  Octogen- 
arian tenderly  pats  the  guns  and  recalls  memories 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


m 


of  days  that  liave  gone,  social  pleasures,  friends  of 
his  youth  and  beauty  mouMering  in  the  grave. 

In  1801,  some  years  before  the  outbi-eak  of 
liostilities  with  England,  tlie  habitants  of  these 
"Cotes"  had,  with  returning  i)rosperity  resumed 
iiuioh  of  their  old  time  gaiety.  In  Winter  the  ex- 
citing races  on  the  ice  between  the  swift  French 
ponies ;  in  the  Spring  the  annual  crop  of  wed- 
dings with  the  long  j)rocession  of  "charrettes" 
(French  carts)  laden  with  a  joyous,  light-hearted 
freight  of  gay  girls  ;  and  in  Autumn  the  corn 
huskings,  were  again  in  vogue.  Each  feast 
day  of  the  church  had  its  peculiar  and  appro- 
priate customs  handed  down  from  their  Norman 

aiicestrv. 

It  was  on  the  eve  of  one  of  these,  the  Epiph- 
any, that  in  a  hospitable  old  mansion  on  the 
present  site  of  Windsor,  was  assembled  a  bi'illiant 
party  of  stately  dames,  fair  demoiselles  and  courtly 
cavaliers,  mingled  with  the  elite  of  the  young 
Scotch  element.  There  seemed  to  be  some  latent 
chord  of  sympathy  between  these  bi'ave  High- 
landers and  the  French,  for  intermarriages  were 
of  frequent  occurrence. 

The  table  was  laid  for  supi)er  which  was  to  be 
followed  by  games,  fortune  telling,  etc.  Seated 
near  the  head  of  the  table,  between  two  dashing 
gallants  who  had  vied  with  each  other  for   her 


,  m 


^1  i 


% 


It  11 


I? 


n  PI 


230 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


bright  glances,  was  a  Kentucky  widow  on  a  visit 
to  the  settlement.  Her  husband  had  been  killed 
a  few  years  previous  in  one  of  the  Indian  raids, 
leaving  her  with  a  merry  little  boy  to  soothe  her 
grief. 

The  large  Epiphany  cake  was  cut  by  the  host, 
each  lady  present  taking  a  piece.  It  was  then 
customary  to  put  in  it  a  ring  and  a  small  white 
bean.  The  lady  to  whose  lot  the  ring  fell  was 
crowned  queen.  The  holder  of  the  bean  gave  the 
entertainment  the  following  year,  and  acted  on  the 
X)resent  occasion,  as  maid  of  honor.  Madame 
Fairbairne  found  the  ring  and  Julie  Maisonville 
the  bean.  It  was  then  necessary  for  the  fortunate 
queen  to  select  the  king  of  Epiphany.  Mad- 
ame Fairbairne  blushed  as  her  eyes  wandei'ed  from 
one  to  the  other  of  her  two  gallants,  and  she  said, 
"If  we  choose  Monsieur  Grant,  we  shall  offend 
Monsieur  Brevoort,  if  we  choose  Monsieur  Bre- 
voort  we  shall  offend  Monsieur  Grant.  We  shall 
select  the  one  who  is  to  become  the  most  distin- 
guished, and  to  ascertain  this  we  decree  that  our 
noble  Dame  D'Honneur,  Mile.  Maisonville,  shall 
take  the  grounds  from  the  pot  of  tea  and  tell  the 
fortune  of  all  three  of  us.  You  know  that  she  is 
a  witch  herself  and  in  league  with  all  the  witclies, 
so  it  is  our  royal  pleasure  that  she  shall  explain 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


231 


To  US  what  say  the,  fates,  and  to  their  decree  we 
must  bow." 

A  murmur  of  assent  greeted  the  queen' s  proj)- 
osition,  and  a  hirge  platter  being  brought  Mile. 
Julie,  with  many  incantations  in  a  wild  jumble  of 
words  learned  from  the  Indian  magicians,  turned 
the  contents  of  the  teapot  out  onto  the  platter, 
wiiere  the  leaves  assumed  strange  and  wild  forms 
that  only  the  initiated  could  read.  In  those  days 
clairvoyance  and  mind  reading  were  l)ut  little 
known,  and  there  was  more  of  a  disposition  to 
impute  effects  to  supernatural  than  to  natui'al 
causes.  Witchcraft  was  the  name  then  given  to 
modern  spiritualism.  Fortune  telling  was  fre- 
quently and  devoutly  believed  in,  especially  when 
the  person  was  the  seventh  daughter  of  a  seventh 
daughter.  In  those  times  of  a  plethora  of  chil- 
dien,  this  was  no  uncommon  thing.  Julie  was  the 
mystic  seventh  daughter,  and  she  was  noted 
throughout  the  colony  for  her  wonderful  powers 
of  divination.  Whilst  her  beauty  was  of  a  seduc- 
tive,  fascinating  order,  there  seemed  at  times  to  be 
something  beyond  human  ken  in  her  lustrous  eye. 
Though  universally  beloved  there  were  many 
who  looked  with  awe  on  her  mysterious  x^owers. 
After  eagerly  scanning  the  tea  grounds  she 
closed  her  eyes  a  moment  as  if  communing 
with  herself,  and  heaving  a  deep  sigh  said  in 


.M  ffl 


•f 


:  ii  ! 


m  rf   ^' 


232 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


a  chanting  tone  to  her  profoundly  interested 
audience  :  "  Mj^  friends,  I  see  here  wonderful 
things.  On  this  holy  night  of  EpiiDhany  when 
three  wise  men  (the  three  kings)  came  from  the 
East  and  learned  the  secrets  of  the  future,  it  is 
fitting  that  I,  the  humble  maid  of  our  gracious 
queen,  should  reveal  to  you  at  her  bidding  what  fate 
has  ordained.  This  line, ' ' pointing  toward  the  plat- 
ter, ' '  represents  Monsieur  Brevoort,  and  this  Mon- 
sieur Grant,  whilst  this  one  describes  the  fate  of 
our  noble  queen.  These  two  young  men  are  destin- 
ed to  wonderful  careers.  To-day  they  are  intimate 
friends,  later  you  will  see  them  contending  with 
one  another  but  not  alone.  A  great  war  is  indi- 
cated accompanied  by  terrible  bloodshed.  The 
contest  between  these  two  seems  to  be  on  the 
water,  the  victory  for  a  time  is  evenly  balanced 
but  later  it  seems  to  belong  to  you.  Monsieur  Bre- 
voort. Your  line  of  life  is  not  ended.  Monsieur 
Grant ;  you  will  both  settle  down  by  the  lakes 
around  happy  firesides.''  Suddenly  the  proph- 
etess turned  deadly  pale,  as  she  scanned  more 
critically  the  t^a  grounds.  "I  see  here  by  your 
line,  honored  queen,  the  figure  of  a  tomahawk ; 
great  trouble  will  come  to  you  through  the  Indians. 
A  little  off-shoot  of  your  line  seems  to  cross  that 
of  Monsieur  Grant,  and  ends  with  many  branches. 
This,  gracious  queen,  is  all  I  see  in  the  shadowy 


T\, 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


233 


future."  The  queen  then  addressed  her  loyal 
subjects  as  follows  :  "  My  children,  the  words  of 
the  sibyl  indeed  perplex  me,  and  in  the  absence 
of  the  wise  kings  of  the  East  to  whom  I  could 
appeal,  I  am  compelled  to  decide  for  myself. 
Although  Monsieur  Brevoort  seems  to  carry  olt' 
the  palm  of  victory,  yet  my  line  seems  to  cross 
that  of  Monsieur  Grant.  My  ambition  prompts  me 
to  select  Monsieur  Brevoort  as  my  king,  but  fate 
seems  to  point  in  another  direction.  On  two  such 
charming  cavaliers  I  would  not  bring  the  trouble 
that  is  in  store  for  me.  It  is  evident  I  need  a 
strong  arm  to  protect  me,  a  king  with  an  army  at 
his  back.  I  therefore  choose  as  king  of  Epiphany 
(here  her  eyes  glanced  around  until  they  fell  upon 
Col.  Brush  standing  near  the  door)  the  gallant  Col- 
onel of  the  Legionary  Corps.  His  veterans  will  nev- 
er suffer  harm  to  come  to  their  queen. ' '  At  this  Col . 
Brush  came  forward  and  was  crowned  king.  The 
company,  charmed  with  the  graceful  manner  of 
the  young  widow,  applauded  her  choice.  The  fes- 
tivities were  kept  up  to  a  late  hour,  but  the  union 
of  the  king  and  queen  extended  no  further  than 
Epiphany' s  eve.  She  soon  returned  with  her  little 
son  to  her  home  on  the  Kentucky  border. 

As  the  inspired  Franklin  had  said  years  before, 
"The  war  of  the  Revolution  has  been  fought,  the 
war  of  Independence  has  still  co  be  fought,"  the 


ii  k 


Hi    '  ' 


234 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


I    I 


long  smouldering  element  at  last  burst  its  bonds. 
Detroit  disgracefully  surrendered  at  the  lirst  onset. 
An  English  fleet  built  on  the  river,  controlled  the 
lakes,  but  the  dying  words  of  the  heroic  Lawrence 
were  impressed  on  the  American  minds  :  ''Don't 
give  up  the  ship."  Under  the  direction  of  the  dar- 
ing young  Rhode  Islander,  Oliver  Hazard  Perrj%  a 
fleet  was  hastily  constructed  at  Presque  Isle  (now 
Erie)  on  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Erie.  On  the 
10th  of  September,  1813,  from  his  look-out  on  Gril)- 
raltar  Island,  "^^  Put-in-Bay,  Perry  discovered  the 
British  fleet  sailing  out  of  the  Detroit  River  to 
attack  him.  It  was  composed  of  six  vessels 
carrying  seventy  guns.  The  Americans  had  nine 
vessels  carrying  flfty-four  guns.  In  weight  of 
metal  and  efficiency,  the  British  fleet  seemed  su- 
perior and  its  commander,  Barclay,  was  one  of 
Nelson's  veterans.  Young  Perry  flung  out  his 
ensign  with  the  legend, "  Don't  give  up  the  ship,'' 
and  was  determined  that  day  to  conquer  or  die. 
When  twilight  had  set  in  that  night,  American 
valor  had  enabled  him  to  write  this  immortal 
despatch  from  his  ship  moored  olf  one  of  tlie 
Three  Sisters  Islands  :'^  "  We  have  met  the  enemy, 


*  Now  the  summor  residence  of  Jay  Cooke. 

*  Tliree  Sisters  Island,  said  to  have  received  tlie  name  from  tlu'ce 
Indian  squaws  whose  tongues  were  so  sharp  that  their  father  for 
peace  salce  had  to  exile  them  to  three  islands  near  the  mouth  of 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


235 


I? 

t.  r 


and  they  are  ours, — two  ships,  two  brigs,  one 
schooner,  one  sloop."  This  was  the  decisive  blow  of 
the  war.  Harrison  soon  afterwards  drove  the  cow- 
ardly Proctor  from  Detroit  and  unfurled  again  the 
starry  Hag,  where  long  may  it  wave. 

In  command  of  the  marines  on  the  American 
Heet  was  Lt.  Henry  Brevoort,  of  the  8rd  regiment 
of  U.  S.  Infantry  detailed  for  duty  on  the  fleet. 
Later  he  was  known  as  ' '  Commodore ' '  Brevoort.  * 
Congress  voted  him  a  medal  for  his  gallantry  and 
his  grateful  country  will  ever  cherish  his  memory. 
Commodore  Alexander  Grant  commanded  one  of 
the  British  vessels  in  the  action.  He  married 
Miss  Barthe  at  Detroit,  and  after  the  war  built  his 
residence,  called  " Grant's  Castle,"  at  Grosse 
Pointe,  where  it  was  the  scene  of  much  hospi- 
tality. 

Shortly  after  one  of  the  Indian  raids  into  Ohio 
and  Kentucky,  Mrs.  Grant  heard  that  a  band  of 
savages  had  encamped  at  Belle  Isle.  They  were 
going  to  hold  a  "powwow"  to  celebrate  their 
exploits,  and  to  torture  and  burn  a  young  white 
captive  whose  mother  they  had  killed. 

The  Commodore  was  tj way,  but  his  wife' s  moth- 

tbe  Detroit.  They  are  culled  East  Sister,  Middle  Sister  and  West 
Sister. 

*  Commodore  Brevoort  married  ^liss  Catherine  Navarre,  named 
from  her  aunt,  the  mother  of  Gen.  Alexander  Macomb. 


ilililillH 


T-T 


2B6 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


erly  instincts  were  roused,  and  knowing  the  love 
and  esteem  of  the  Indians  for  her  family,  she  de- 
termined to  make  an  effort  to  save  the  poor  boy 
from  so  terrible  a  fate.  She  was  rowed  to  Belle 
Isle,  made  her  way  to  the  camp  and  asked  the 
amount  of  the  ransom  for  the  child.*  The  Indians, 
who  were  making  preparations  for  their  horrible 
feast,  would  not  at  first  listen  to  her.  The  courag- 
eous woman  was  not  to  be  baffled,  and  at  last  partly 
by  lavish  presents  and  partly  by  threats  that  the 
black  gown  (priest)  would  bring  some  calamity 
on  them,  she  succeeded  in  her  mission.  The 
little  boy  was  brought  home  and  adopted  by  his 
humane  deliverer,  who  already  had  a  large  family 
(ten  daughters)  of  her  own.  On  the  Commodore's 
return  his  good  wife  described  to  him  her  visit  to 
the  Indian  encampment  and  its  gratifying  results. 
'  *  What  did  the  Indians  call  him  ? ' '  suddenly  ex- 
claimed the  Commodore.  ' '  I  think  they  called 
him  fair  bairn  or  '  pretty  boy ' ' '  she  replied.  The 
old  veteran  bowed  his  head,  whilst  memory  was 
busy  weaving  the  broken  links  of  the  prophecy 
on  Epiphany  eve,  many  years  before. 


*See  chap,  on  Grants.  The  grandchild  of  the  little  boy  still 
lives  and  remembers  his  mother's  account  of  Mrs,  Grant's  trip 
to  Grosse  Isle. 


XXXI 


KISHKATJKOU. 


A  Leerend  of  the  Chippewas. 

IT  WAS  an  evening  in  the  early  spring  of  1815  ; 
tlie  moon  had  just  risen  and  was  flooding  with 
soft  radiance  the  restless  waters  of  Saginaw 
Bay.  On  the  banks  was  an  open  clearing  fringed 
by  the  dark,  primeval  forest.  Here  and  there  were 
scattered  tents  covered  with  variegated  mats,  or 
formed  of  the  fragrant  boughs  of  the  spruce. 

In  the  center  of  the  encampment  was  a  bright 
fire,  the  flickering  light  from  which  mingling  with 
that  of  the  moon  caused  weird  expressions  to  play 
over  the  dusky  faces  of  the  Indian  warriors,  who 
sat  round  in  a  semicircle.  They  were  smoking  in 
calm  and  deliberative  .silence  and  listenina-  with 


\m 


'■'ih 


\n 


288 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


solemn  attention  to  a  speaker  who  was  explaining 
the  object  of  the  council. 

In  such  assemblies  decorum  was  never  ])roken  ; 
the  etiquette  which  forbade  one  speaker  to  inter- 
rupt the  other  was  strictly  enforced  ;  calls  to  order 
were  unknown. 

At  a  little  distance,  closely  guarded  and  witli 
pinioned  arms,  stood  an  Indian  prisoner,  whose 
murder  of  a  young  brave  of  the  tribe  had  caused 
this  council.  The  squaw  and  children  of  the  vi<'- 
tim  were  the  accusers,  and  demanded  the  fulfill- 
ment of  the  code,  which  was  blood  for  blood,  for 
according  to  Indian  tradition,  the  soul  of  the 
deceased  would  be  excluded  from  the  happy 
hunting  grounds  of  his  ancestors,  until  the  act  of 
atonement  had  been  made.  There  was  something 
impressive  in  the  passive  grandeur  of  the  Indian's 
stolid  stoicism,  in  his  supreme  indifference  to  the 
deliberations  of  the  council,  as  if  it  were  another's 
fate  it  was  deciding. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  division  of  opinion  ;  dis- 
senting grunts  were  heard,  when  suddenly  a  war- 
rior of  powerful  form  arose,  who  gliding  towards 
the  prisoner,  ended  all  hesitancy  by  burying  his 
tomahawk  in  his  brain.  Then,  brandishing  his 
reeking  weapon  towards  the  petrified  group, 
robbed  of  the  force  of  the  fearful  -eality  by  the 
swiftness  of  the  blow,  he  left  the  council.     It  was 


*,;:.  I         I       n   1 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


231) 


'  \ 


iniii<? 


)ken ; 
inter- 
oi'der 

L  with 
whose 
caused 
he  vic- 
fuliill- 
od,  for 
of  the 
happy 
act  of 
ething 
dian's 
\  to  the 
other's 

in;  dis- 
a  war- 
Howards 
ighis 
mg  his 
group, 
by  the 
It  was 


Kishkaukou,  tlie  celebrated  Chippewa  chief, 
wliose  savage  barbarity  liad  uiade  his  name  a 
terror  all  along  the  lakes,  and  the  bare  mention 
of  which  blanched  the  cheeks  of  the  bravest. 
Not  a  murmur  of  disapproval  was  heard  ;  his  will 
ruled  supreme.  "Le  roi  le  veut,"  was  sufficient, 
nnd  the  waiTiors  drew  their  blankets  over  their 
heads  and  filed  one  after  another  from  the  council. 

Kishkaukou  was  reproved  afterwards  by  an 
intrepid  white  for  having  broken  the  law  by  his 
peculiar  mode  of  legislation,  and  replied  with 
a  ready  wit  which  equalled  that  of  Moliere's  fag- 
ot boy  :  "I  have  altered  the  law." 

The  brave,  notwithstanding  his  savage  cruelties, 
was  not  impervious  to  Cupid's  darts.  Whilst  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  River  Huron  (now  the  Clinton) 
he  met  a  charming  half-breed,  Monique,  who  had 
the  misfortune  to  make  him  the  captive  of  her 
pretty  eyes.  Kishkaukou' s  manner  of  wooing, 
added  to  the  terrible  stories  told  of  him,  was  not 
calculated  to  find  favor  in  a  timid  maiden's  heart, 
and  it  was  not  strange  that  she  preferred  another 
and  more  gentle  lover,  Louizon,  the  clerk  of  Judge 
Rielly. 

Kishkaukou  soon  discovered  his  rival,  and  with 
his  startling  idea  of  facilitating  legislation,  dis- 
posed of  Louizon  as  he  had  of  the  Indian  cap- 
tive and  carried  the  maiden  away.     But  he  soon 


!;i!|  I 


'{''■:' 


240 


Let/endu  of  Le  Detroit. 


discovered  that  tlie  law  wns  not  to  be  altered  by 
the  capricious  will  of  a  lawless  des])ot,  and  the 
Chippewa  chief  was  ol)liged  to  hide.  For  some 
time  he  eluded  the  vigilance  of  that  power  whi(;h 
he  had  so  outraged.  Trusting"  to  his  (Winning  and 
strategy,  and  to  the  terror  of  his  name,  he  was 
rash  enough  to  (^ome  near  Detroit  and  encamp  in 
Col.  Louis  Beauf ait's  orchard,  now  known  as  the 
''Bagg  Farm."  He  was  followed  by  his  suite, 
consisting  of  several  of  his  squaws  and  Indians, 
for  he  always  travelled  en  grand  seigneur,  and, 
like  Sapor  of  Persia,  mounted  his  horse 
from  the  kneeling  backs  of  his  slaves.  Among 
them  was  Monique,  who,  though  compelled  to 
follow  the  murderer  of  her  lover,  still  cherished 
revenge,  and  only  waited  a  favorable  opportunity 
to  punish  him  for  his  crime.  Her  very  repugnance 
only  served  to  inflame  Kishkaukou's  love,  and  he 
zealously  guarded  her.  She  eluded  his  vigilance 
one  day,  came  to  the  fort,  and  revealed  the  where- 
abouts of  the  celebrated  outlaw.  Kishkaukou  was 
captured  and  lodged  in  jail.  The  event  created  a 
great  sensation.  The  captive  became  the  lion  of  the 
day  and  was  constantly  visited  by  the  curious, 
who  had  heard  the  marvelous  tales  told  of  this 
notorious  chief.  Th  Te  are  several  who  still  live, 
who  remember  the  haughty  warrior  with  his 
stately  tread  and  his   ferocious  expression,  his 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


241 


Ml  by 

1  the 

some 

A^liich 

g  and 

e  was 

iiip  in 

as  the 
suite, 

idians, 

r,  and, 
horse 

/^niong 

Lied  to 

erislied 

rtunity 

.gnance 
and  lie 

Igilance 
where- 
Lou  was 
[•eated  a 
oftlie 
lurions, 
of  this 
[ill  live, 
itli   liis 
Ion,  Ids 


hand  always  resting  on  his  tomahawk.  All  were 
struck  by  the  bold  daring  and  almost  insolent 
recklessness  which  i)ervaded  his  every  movement, 
lie  was  sentenced  to  be  hung,  the  most  degrading 
punishment  possible  to  an  Indian. 

It  was  the  eve  of  his  execution,  November  21, 
1822.  Kishkaukou  sat  alone  in  his  prison  with  the 
thought  of  the  morrow  as  his  com])anion.  Death 
in  itself  had  no  terror  for  him,  but  the  manner 
revolted  against  the  traditions  of  his  race ;  how 
wjis  his  spirit  to  be  freed  from  its  mortal  tenement 
if  he  were  choked?  Thus  brooding  over  his  fallen 
fortunes,  the  images  of  faded  despotism  passed 
l)efore  him,  hunuliation  enveloped  him  like  a 
pall,  and  his  proud  spirit  was  broken.  He  would 
i)econie  a  by-word  in  his  tribe,  a  scorn  to  his 
people.  The  door  opened,  disturlung  his  reflec- 
tions ;  two  of  his  squaws  came  in,  followed  by  the 
jailer.  Kishkaukou,  as  if  by  magic,  suddenly 
dropped  his  mournful  and  dejected  manner  jind 
conversed  rapidly  with  them.  As  they  left  the 
jailer  noticed  one  handing  him  a  small  tin  cup, 
but  thinking  nothing  of  the  occurrence  let  it  pass. 
The  next  morning  the  squaws  again  returned  to 
accompany  their  chief  to  his  execution.  The 
gallows  was  erected  opposite  the  jail,  where  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  now  stands.  The  jailor 
knocked  at  the  door  of  the  chief,  but  received  no 


16 


I?  n 

r'ti  I 
'tit  I 


T     f 


'.'i,  I 


242 


n 


1  fii 


Legends  of  Le  Jjetroit. 


answer ;  he  entered  and  found  the  warrior  dead. 
Immediately  the  building  resounded  with  th»^ 
mournful  wailing  of  the  squaws  who  chanted  tlie 
death  song.  How  he  killed  himself  was  never 
definitely  known,  but  it  was  strongly  surmised 
that  the  cup  given  him  by  the  squaw  contained 
poison.'^'  Thus  the  Chippewa  chief's  honor  was 
saved  and  he  left  no  legacy  of  disgrace  to  his 
tribe. 

*  The  poison  given  Kislikaukou  by  the  squaw  was  probably  tlie 
distilled  juice  from  the  roots  of  the  wild  citron  plant.  Its  effects 
are  peculiar.  Almost  immediately  after  swallowing  it  the  victim 
has  two  or  three  convulsive  shivers  and  then  dies.  The  fruit  of 
this  plant  is  not  poisonous  ;  it  is  used  for  preserving. 


A  LEGEND  OF  L  ANSE  CREUSE.* 


A  woodpecker  sat  on  an  oaken  stump, 

Pecking  away  with  a  ceaseless  thump, 

And  now  and  then,  as  he  cocked  his  eye, 

Darted  a  glance  so  keen  and  sly, 

You'd  have  thought,  had  you  seen  him  that  snn.mer  day, 

Old  Greenback  has  something  queer  to  say. 

When  that  stump  was  a  stately  tree, 

Sturdy  in  trunk  and  sound  in  knee, 

Foiw:Vid  a  little  from  the  wood. 

Close  by  the  edge  of  the  bank  it  stood, 

And  acorns  dropped  where  the  ripples  break 

Over  the  brim  of  the  smiling  lake. 

When  that  tree  was  at  its  best. 

An  emerald  bird,  with  crimson  crest. 

All  through  the  summer,  from  dawn  till  dark, 

Hopped  and  tapped  on  its  ridgy  bark; 

The  limbs  have  dropped,  the  trunk  is  dead, 

But  the  plumes  are  shining  on  back  and  head, 

And  the  restless  eye  is  clear  and  keen 

As  when  the  old  oak's  leaves  were  green ; 

But  under  his  throat,  perhaps  you'd  say, 

Rubytcp  shows  a  spot  of  gray. 

Orchard  and  field  for  many  a  rood 

Cover  the  dust  of  the  buried  wood, 

*  I  am  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  Hon.  James  V.  Campbell  for 
the  use  of  his  charming  poem,  also  for  much  historical  informa- 
tion and  flattering  interest  and  encouragement. 


ir: 


if  f  ■f 


:'^ 


244 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


li 


And  low-roofed  houses,  old  and  quaint, 

Browned  by  the  weatlier  and  bare  of  paint, 

Shelter  a  people — so  they  say, 

Brown  and  quaint  and  old  as  they. 

The  urchin  tumbling  in  the  grass, 

The  merry  youth  and  the  blooming  lass. 

The  farmer  who  tills  the  teeming  soil 

When  hunting  and  fishing  leave  time  for  toil. 

And  the  jolly  old  man  who  sits  and  drones 

Of  the  winter  signs  in  the  wild-goose  bones, 

Seem  living  over  as  in  a  trance, 

The  old,  old  life  of  sunny  France. 

This  restless  age, — this  age  so  fast — 

There  fights  at  odds  with  the  hoary  past; 

Vainly  it  matches  its  eager  will 

With  those  who  win  by  sitting  still, 

And  hears  an  adage  old  and  worn, — 

Who  goes  for  wool  may  come  back  shorn. 

There  kindly  nature  spreads  her  stores 

In  rich  profusion  out  of  doors ; 

Bright  gleam  the  apples,  pears,  and  cherries, 

The  brambles  bend  with  luscious  berries; 

The  bullfrog,  with  his  croaking  harsh. 

And  the  fat  muskrat,  haunt  the  marsh; 

The  wild  duck  floats  among  the  reeds, 

Th(;  red  deer  in  the  woodland  feeds, 

The  grouse,  the  partridge,  and  the  quail 

Their  bounteous  larders  never  fail ; 

And,  yielding  more  ethereal  fare. 

The  diiititiest  creatures  swarm  in  air. 

But,  if  your  feet  are  ever  found, 

O  muses,  on  such  level  ground, 

Come  hither  from  Parnassus'  hill, 

Of  melting  whitefish  (,'at  your  fill ; 

And  from  your  lubricated  throats 

Will  glide  such  smooth  and  i)l('asing  notes 

As  never  yet  the  pipes  did  follow 


Le(jen,(h  of  Le  Detroit. 


245 


Of  your  precentor — bright  Apollo. 

In  the  fall  weather,  cool  and  hazy, 

When  the  slow  sun  is  getting  laz\'. 

And  from  his  cold  bath  in  the  river 

Comes  out  all  red  with  many  a  shiver, 

With  feet  too  chilly  as  they  pass 

To  melt  the  hoar  frost  on  the  grass, 

Northward  his  yearly  journey  takes 

The  shining  "white  deer  of  the  lakes.'" 

Swift  through  the  lymph,  in  countless  herds, 

Thicker  than  thickest  flight  of  birds. 

The  living  shapes  of  silver  dash, 

Till  all  the  rustling  waters  flash, 

As  when  beneath  the  breeze  of  June 

Their  myriad  waves  reflect  the  moon. 

Then  all  the  dwellers  in  the  land 

Come  trooping  gaily  to  the  sand; 

Through  day  and  night  the  populous  shore 

Echoes  the  clanking  of  the  oar. 

The  meshes  of  the  spreading  seine 

Are  tried  by  many  a  grievous  strain, 

And  the  gay  crowd,  with  jovial  din. 

Hail  the  rich  harvest  gathered  in. 

Then  comes  the  kindly  winter's  reign; 

Then  mirth  and  pleasure  scour  the  plain, 

The  rapid  pacers  come  and  go 

Like  phantoms  o'er  the  beaten  snow. 

And  where  the  summer  shallops  ride, 

Swiftly  the  painted  carioles  glide. 

Not  Hector  o'er  the  Trojan  field 

By  his  illustrious  coursers  wheeled, 

In  his  mad  circuit  whirling  round. 

Thus  saw  his  steeds  devour  the  ground; 

Nor  Pindar,  yielding  loud  acclaims 

To  the  great  victor  of  the  games, 

E'er  saw  upon  the  ()lym})ic  plain 

Such  ponies  of  heroic  strain. 


ill  111: 


liiiiiiii 


246 


Lege7i(h  of  Le  DHroit. 


And  shoiilfl  they  moet  at  break  of  day, 
Fresh  baited  with  ambrosial  hay, 
The  sun's  team  pranciuii;  up  the  cope, 
Tliey'd  beat  him  half  way  down  the  slope. 
But  oh,  my  colts,  too  swift  ye  pace. 
You've  borne  me  past  my  stopping  place; 
Backward  return  in  slower  mood, 
And  while  you  whinnj'^  o'er  your  food, 
Again  upon  the  bank  I'll  stray. 
And  if  he  has  not  flown  away. 
Hear  what  the  old  bird  has  to  say. 

High  on  the  stump  the  old  woodpecker  sat, 

Twisting  his  neck  this  way  and  that, 

And  soon  as  he  found  an  ear  to  listen, 

He  bristled  his  crest,  and  his  keen  eyes  glisten. 

On  his  breast  feathers  he  wiped  his  beak, 

Opened  his  mouth  and  began  to  speak. 

Hearken,  stranger,  while  I  tell 

Wondrous  things  that  once  befell 

The  people  of  this  drowsy  land. 

Here  on  this  pulpit  where  I  stand 

Preaching  my  sermon  to  only  one, 

Long  ago  I  sat  in  the  sun. 

And  saw  a  sight  that  shook  with  fear 

The  hunter  fierce,  and  the  trembling  deer. 

The  bright  warm  rays  of  an  August  noon 

Hushed  each  sound  but  the  locust's  tune ; 

But  a  gentle  wind  blew  from  the  west, 

Dimpling  with  ripples  the  water's  breast, 

And  catching  the  swans'  wings  where  they  float. 

Drove  each  one  on  like  a  well-trimmed  boat, — 

A  stately  boat,  with  canvas  white 

As  a  sheet  of  snow  in  a  starry  night. 

Now  here,  now  there,  the  great  fish  ris(! 

To  snap  at  the  gatidy  dragon-flies; 

Tlie  loon  like  a  porpoise  rolls  and  dives, 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


247 


Screaming  as  if  for  a  hundred  lives, 

And  solemn  bitterns  stand  and  think, 

Each  on  a  leg,  by  the  rushy  brink. 

Just  as  the  sun  in  hi    path  on  high 

Stayed  his  course  in  the  middle  sky. 

Speeding  along  with  a  foaming  wake 

A  great  ship  sailed  upon  the  lake; 

And  the  loon  dove  down,  and  the  white  swans  flew, 

Scared  at  the  sight  of  the  wonder  new ; 

For  never  had  vessel  along  this  shore 

Cleft  these  quiet  waves  before. 

No  better  craft  was  ever  seen 

Than  brave  La  Salle's  stout  brigantine: 

Out  from  the  prow  a  Griffin  springs, 

With  scales  of  bronze  and  flery  wings, 

And  the  ship  that  earned  so  wide  a  fame 

Bore  on  its  scroll  the  Griffin's  name. 

For  when  the  cunning  Robes  of  Black 

Troubled  the  zealous  Fi'ontenac, 

And  strove  his  venturous  hands  to  keep 

From  reaching  out  to  the  western  deep, 

The  wrath  of  the  sturdy  Norman  rose 

At  the  jealous  arts  of  his  patron's  foes, 

And  the  ship  he  built  for  his  dangerous  quest. 

He  named  from  the  valiant  noble's  crest. 

And  vowed  he  would  make  the  Griffin  fly 

Over  the  crows  in  the  western  sky. 

A  gilded  eagle  carved  in  wood 

On  the  crown  of  the  (juarter-deck  castle  stood, 

And  from  the  staff  astern  unrolled, 

Floating  aloft  with  its  lilies  of  gold, 

The  great  white  flag  of  France  is  spread. 

And  the  pennon  decking  the  mainmast  head 

Bears  the  chieftain's  arms  on  a  field  of  red. 

Tliree  black-nebbed  falcons  gaping  wide 

Scowl  through  the  ports  on  either  sid(\ 

And  the  old  sergeant  says  they  speak 


0 


m 


248  legends  of  Le  Detroit. 

Each  for  a  common  day  in  the  week. 

While  the  great  bow  gun  with  its  lieavy  l<nell 

Rings  as  loud  as  a  Sunday  bell. 

But  another  standard  is  seen  to-day 

As  the  gallant  cruiser  wins  the  bay, 

For  the  cross  is  waved,  and  tlie  censer  swings, 

And  the  seamen  kneel  as  the  mass  bell  rings. 

For  to-day  is  the  feast  of  the  Abbess  Claire; 

And  the  corded  priests,  with  chants  and  prayer, 

Sprinkling  the  lake  with  holy  water 

Name  it  after  the  Church's  (huighlcr. 

Then  in  a  trice  the  gunners  catch 

Each  in  his  place  the  blazing  match. 

And  the  Harne  leaps  out,  and  the  trembling  shore 

Quakes  at  the  terrible  cannon's  roai-. 

And  stout  La  Fleur  with  chuckling  grin 

Said  as  he  patted  his  culverin — 

In  my  church  there's  never  a  friar 

Sings  like  the  Abbot  who  leads  the  choir! 

*        *        *        *        *        *        * 

Out  in  the  lake  the  Griffin  lay 
Wind-bound  at  anchor  many  a  day, 
While  the  ship's  company  explore 
The  novel  wonders  of  the  shore; 
And  as  they  reach  upon  the  way 
The  bend  at  Pointe  a  Guignolet, 
Before  them  spreads  a  lovely  bay; 
Its  limpid  waters  softly  glide 
Like  the  slow  creeping  of  the  tide. 
Upward  and  backward  on  the  beach, 
But  ne'er  beyond  one  margin  reach. 
And  in  its  lonely  beauty  there, 
So  still,  so  smiling,  and  so  fair, 
To  their  charmed  eyes  it  seemed  to  be 
A  sunny  strip  of  Normandy, 
Where  mermaids  in  the  moonlight  plaj', 
And  happy  children  all  the  day. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


249 


Here, — said  La  Salle, — when  histoiy's  pajrc 

Inscribes  us  of  an  ancient  age, — 

When  populous  cities  rich  and  great 

See  ships  in  fleets  ascend  the  strait, — 

When  this  new  world  shall  lead  the  van. 

In  the  great  onward  march  of  man, — 

Though  men  of  other  blood  may  press 

More  boldly  through  the  wilderness, 

And  though  the  flag  of  P>ance  may  be 

Unknown  upon  this  mimic  sea, 

Yet,  something  whispers  in  my  breast, 

Here  shall  be  (juietness  and  rest. 

Though  commerce  through  the  forest  break. 

Or  churn  the  waters  of  the  lake, 

The  inland  road  shall  not  be  nigh. 

The  busy  craft  shall  pass  it  by. 

And  if  our  phantoms  should  be  louiid 

Exploring  then  this  pleasant  ground. 

It  still  shall  seem  familiar  earili, 

As  the  old  region  of  our  birth. 

Beside  the  shore  a  cross  they  plant. 

The  reverend  priests  an  anthem  chant, 

And  the  stern  soldier,  as  he  went, 

To  seek  the  shelter  of  his  tent, 

Cast  backward  many  a  yearning  look. 

Made  homesick  by  that  fairy  nook. 

The  ship  sailed  on,  but  the  friendly  shore 

Saw  it  returning  nevermore. 

And  many  a  day  had  come  and  fled 

And  many  a  fall  the  leaves  had  shed, 

Before  the  early  morning  dews 

On  the  white  clover  b)"^  L'Anse  Creuse 

Were  dashed  by  footstep  from  their  cup, 

Ere  the  dry  sun  had  drunk  them  up. 

But  when  I  grew  to  my  chagrin 

A  little  baggy  about  the  chin, 

And  could  not  find  sufficient  cau.se 


r 


250 


Lfijenths  of  Le  Dt'troH. 


\ 


MM 


For  a  wrinkle  or  two  juound  my  claws, 
The  pleasing  scene  I  daily  viewed 
No  longer  was  a  solitude. 
Neat  farms  and  gardens  lined  the  strait 
From  Erie  up  to  Huron's  gate, 
While  on  the  narrow  strips  of  land 
The  cottage  homes  so  closely  stand, 
Their  numbers  stretching  up  and  down, 
Appear  like  one  continuous  town. 
In  front  of  each  upon  the  bank, 
A  narrow  wharf  of  single  plank 
Stretched  out  to  where  a  steady  hand 
Might  fill  a  bucket  to  the  brim, 
Sinking  it  down  below  the  rim. 
Yet  never  touch  the  bottom  sand ; 
While  to  this  simple  jetty  tied 
Canoes  float  safely  by  its  side. 

Whenever  Monday's  morning  ray 

Brings  to  the  world  its  washing  day, 

The  busy  housewives  and  their  daughters 

There  with  their  labors  vex  the  waters. 

The  garments  in  their  fingers  gathered, 

With  vigorous  rubbing  drenched  and  lathered, 

And  paddled  with  a  cunning  knack. 

Resound  with  many  a  rousing  whack ; 

While  the  fair  laundresses  at  work 

In  no  Carthusian  silence  lurk. 

But  skilled  alike  to  wash  and  speak, 

Gossip  enough  for  all  tlui  week. 

In  the  small  hamlet  of  L'Anse  Creuse, 

One  Monday,  buzzed  the  stirrhig  news 

That  the  old  Seigneur  of  Beauvais 

Was  busy  all"  the  previous  day, 

Devising  how  his  daughter  fair — 

The  arch  and  graceful  Lady  Claire — 

Might  find  ere  long  an  honest  mate, 


Legends  of  Le  JJetroit. 


251 


Of  gentle  blood  and  good  estate, 

Who  by  some  valiant  feat  at  arms 

Might  prove  him  worthy  of  her  charms. 

He  was  a  man  whose  antique  blood, 

Traced  backward  to  the  very  tlof)d, 

Had  with  such  notions  tilled  his  brain 

As  once  disturbed  the  knight  of  Spain. 

He  passed  the  vigor  of  his  >o".r8 

Koving  among  his  gallant  peers. 

Exploring  widely  to  advance 

The  glory  of  his  native  France. 

And  oft  a  pleasant  liour  had  spent 

With  gallant  Tonty  in  his  tent. 

Long  years  ago  they  made  their  way, 

And  camped  beside  this  smiling  bay. 

To  wait  the  gathering  of  the  force 

Destined  to  guard  the  northern  course. 

Then  met  the  boldest  hearts  arrayed 

That  ever  pierced  the  forest  shade. 

There  met  the  venturous  Beauvais, 

La  Salle's  stout  warden  La  ForOt, 

And  the  sagacious  Durantaye, 

Whose  flag  had  waved  o'er  many  a  post 

On  the  remotest  northern  coast ; 

With  his  old  comrade  true  and  tried, 

Renowned  Du  Luth,  who  far  and  wide, 

Honest  in  heart,  and  strong  in  hand 

Swayed  the  fierce  tribes  through  all  the  land. 

There,  as  they  feasted  at  their  ease 

Beneath  the  stately  forest  trees. 

With  many  a  tale  of  savage  fray 

They  passed  the  pleasant  hours  away. 

And  when  the  hallowed  spot  he  knew. 

Once  honored  by  the  Griflin's  crew, 

Said  bold  Beauvais,  this  cross  so  tall 

Shall  stand  one  day  beside  my  hall. 

When  age  from  labor  shall  release, 


;   ■■'" 


wn 


I  i 


mmt^ 


\i 


252  Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 

To  lot  me  dwell  at  home  in  peace. 

So,  when  he  settled  to  retire, 

And  light  anew  his  household  fire, 

He  was  the  first  who  found  his  way 

To  dwell  beside  the  cross  and  bay. 

He  mingled  reading  and  the  care 

Of  watching  o'er  his  darling  Claire, 

And  soothed  his  fatherly  alarms 

With  chronicles  of  deeds  of  arms. 

As  up  she  grew  to  womanhood, 

Merry  and  bright,  as  well  as  good, 

He  dreamed  of  noble  cavaliers 

Bearing  her  colors  on  their  spears, 

And  jousting  on  the  meadows  green 

To  win  the  smile  of  lieauty's  (juecn ; 

And  a  great  tournament  he  planned. 

The  pi'ize  to  be  his  daughter's  hand. 

The  damsel  having  mother  wit, 

And  some  small  will  for  using  it. 

Had  been  enabled  to  discover 

She  need  not  languish  for  a  lover. 

And  though  she  knew  that  young  IJcauclerc 

Was  prompt  enough  to  do  or  dare, 

She  was  not  anxious  for  her  sake. 

That  he  another's  head  should  break, 

Nor  would  it  suit  her  views  at  all 

Should  others  profit  by  his  fall. 

So,  with  a  smile  upon  her  face. 

And  many  a  blushing  maiden  grace. 

She  met  her  honest  father's  question 

With  a  more  practical  suggestion. 

The  Greeks,  in  that  heroic  time 

Which  all  the  poets  call  sublime, 

Instead  of  carving  up  a  friend. 

In  public  games  did  oft  contend. 

And  deemed  a  vegetable  crown 

And  name  by  Pindar  handed  down, 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


253 


More  likely  to  adorn  the  State 
Thau  if  they  earned  a  broken  pate. 
When  the  hard  winter's  frost  siiall  make 
A  slippery  iee-fleld  of  the  lake, 
No  ancient  circus  could  compete 
With  such  a  course  for  flying  feet; 
And  if  no  youth  my  hand  may  c!i»'"Ti 
But  him  wiio  pleads  a  victor's  name, 
Then  let  h  is  honors  be  my  |)rice 
Who  wins  a  race  upon  the  ice. 
The  sire  appioved,  and  gave  connnand 
To  publish  it  through  all  the  land, 
Tlut-  on  the  coming  Christmas  day 
A  horse  race  o'er  the  frozen  bay 
Should  by  its  fair  results  decide 
What  lucky  hand  should  claim  the  bride. 
Then  to  the  shore  in  state  he  went. 
Where  the  good  dames,  on  work  intent, 
Their  weekly  store  of  clothes  did  scrub 
In  the  great  common  washing  tub; 
And  sought  their  willing  aid  to  bear 
His  festive  message  through  the  air. 
Swiftly  it  traveled  toward  the  south, 
Leaping  from  ready  mouth  to  mouth; 
And  while  its  echoes  still  did  play 
In  broken  murmurs  round  the  bay, 
Past  Windmill  Point,  on  pinions  quick. 
It  reached  the  mouth  of  Tremble's  creek ; 
And  like  a  bullet  from  a  gun 
Crossed  the  ravine  at  Bloody  Run ; 
Thence  like  the  west  wind  on  the  main. 
Shook  the  great  flag  at  Pontchartrain ; 
Then  like  a  brightly  falling  star 
Gleamed  on  the  household  of  Navarre, 
And  shot  along  its  flashing  way 
Around  the  bend  of  Godfroy's  bay, 
Startliuii:  the  ghost  that  lingered  still 


254: 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


m 


'Rl 


Sighing  in  Gobrye's  Imuiitcd  mill. 

The  violet  banks  of  Bcllefontaine 

And  the  cool  shades  of  liovcr's  fiune 

Heard  a  low  murmur,  as  of  bees 

Htunming  among  the  linden  trees. 

As  up  the  Rouge  the  story  sped. 

Old  Va-dc-bon-C(eiu*,  as  Im  shook  his  licud, 

Marveled  that  any  other  plac^e 

Was  chosen  for  a  Christmas  race; 

But  cracking  all  his  knuckles  bony, 

Forthwith  began  to  train  his  pony. 

Beyond  this  region  of  the  horse 

The  message  reached  the  broad  Ecorcc, 

Rousing  the  herdsmen  as  they  roam 

O'er  the  wide  acres  of  St.  Cosmo. 

Across  the  channel  to  Grosse  Isle, 

Shouted  with  sympathetic  zeal, 

And  thence  beyond,  the  tidings  go 

To  the  rich  island  dark  with  shade 

By  the  gigantic  lindens  made. 

Within  whose  woods  the  Wyandot 

Had  built  his  town  in  a  charming  spot, 

Guarding  Lake  Erie's  open  door: 

In  the  rough  sailor  pilot's  lore 

'  Tis  known  as  the  island  of  Bobalo. 

In  the  short  passage  of  an  hour, 

Sped  by  this  tireless  motive  power, 

The  news  had  entered  at  the  gate 

Of  every  household  on  the  strait. 

And  the  gay  bachelors  all  prepare 

To  struggle  boldly  for  the  fair; 

While  pouting  maidens — half  offended — 

Wish  that  the  day  had  come  and  ended. 

That  they  who  fail  to  win  the  prize 

Might  find  a  better  use  of  eyes ; 

Yet  none  the  less  they  toil  and  fluster 

To  look  their  prettiest  at  the  muster. 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 

And,  sooth  to  sa}',  the  gallant  wrong 
Wouhl  tlnd  his  journry  very  long, 
Who  traveled  till  he  found  the  graces 
More  i>rodigal  of  charming  faces. 
The  summer  into  autunni  glides, 
The  mt^low  autumn  long  ai)ides. 
Till  dark  December  claimed  a  part  in 
The  unruttled  season  of  St.  Martin ; 
And  many  a  lovely  bosom  fluttered, 
And  many  a  savage  youngster  muttered, 
As  the  sun  neared  his  last  decline, 
While  winter  yet  had  made  no  sign. 
But  when  the;  dreary  solstice  came, 
The  morning  sky  was  all  aflame. 
And  from  the  polar  deserts  vast 
The  wind  came  howling  tierce  and  fast. 
All  day  the  clouds  their  snowflakes  shed, 
Tlie  sighing  waves  were  dark  as  lead. 
Sounding  upon  the  gloomy  shore 
Like  the  dull  plash  of  melted  ore. 
But  in  the  night  no  vapor  mars 
The  luster  of  the  burning  stars. 
High  in  the  flnnament  the  moon 
Shines  dazzling  as  the  sun  at  noon, 
And  the  cold  beams  the  waves  congeal 
Like  a  great  floor  of  glimmering  steel. 
All  through  the  night  from  shore  to  shore 
The  imprisoned  waters  moan  and  roar. 
But  vain  are  all  their  throes  to  break 
The  dungeon  walls  that  hold  the  lake. 
On  Christmas  eve  the  drowsy  heads 
Went  early  to  their  downy  beds, 
That  all  from  sweet  repose  might  borrow 
More  blooming  roses  for  the  morrow ; 
While  even  the  watchful  chanticleer 
Forgot  to  blow  his  clarion  clear, 
And  sitting  snugly  on  his  perch, 


255 


i  I ! 


256 


Legends  of  Le  J  Jet  roll. 


Was  silent  as  the  villa^'o  church. 
But  when  the  rays  of  niorniiii;  creep 
Down  the  gray  spire  of  St.  Pliilippe, 
And  cast  its  sliadows  o'er  the  way 
Just  at  the  foot  of  Grand  Marais, 
The  wooden  cocli  tliat  at  its  pealv 
Stood  opening  wide  his  gilded  beak, 
Thought  surely  there  was  somelhi)>g  wrong- 
To  make  his  brothers  mute  so  long. 
Uprising  on  his  sinewy  toes, 
Far  out  his  gorgeous  breast  he  tiu-ows, 
Wiiile  of  the  bracing  air  he  quaffed 
A  deep  exhilarating  draught; 
Then  from  the  bottom  of  his  throat 
He  crowed  so  tierce  a  trumpet  note 
That  all  the  country  stared  aghast, 
Astounded  by  that  sudden  blast; 
And  every  rooster,  roused  to  feel 
A  rival  worthy  of  Ins  steel. 
Met  the  tierce  cliupel  guardian's  crow 
With  a  defiant  coquerico  ! 
Up  from  their  beds  tlie  slumbering  people 
Sprang  at  that  summons  from  the  steeplo, 
And  every  bachelor  and  maid 
In  rustic  garments  neat  arrayed, 
Witli  sparkling  eyes  and  glowing  face, 
Prepared  to  figure  at  the  race. 
Too  far  from  Fashion's  hulls  to  get 
The  work  of  Ma'm'selle  Tond-Minette, 
Tlie  blooming  damsels  managed  still 
To  show  the  power  of  aste  and  skill. 
And  when  they  all  had  \net  together, 
Hose  tinted  by  the  bracing  weather, 
They  made  philosoj)her  and  dun(.e 
Fall  swift  in  love  with  all  at  <mce. 

The  niass  was  over,  and  the  sleighs 
(Jame  sliding  o'er  the  crystal  v/ay^ , 


Legends  of  Le  Difroit. 


25' 


As  sliiniiiii'  birds  iroin  tlowor  to  tU)\v(  r 
J);ii'l  swiftly  ill  the  sununcr  hour. 
Tlie  swan-necked  carioles  make  the  scene 
Lively  with  scaHet,  liold,  and  green, 
Tiie  bright-eyed  i)aceis,  roan  and  lt:iy, 
Caper  like  little  boys  at  play, 
And  toss  th(!ir  heads,  as  if  they  knev 
As  much  as  human  horses  do. 
The  lady  Claire,  with  courteous  mien 
Beams  like  a  radiant  fairy  (pieen: 
jjut  while  she  swiftly  moved  her  eyes 
O'er  the  contestants  for  tlu'  pri/.f, 
She  turned  a  moment  pale  as  snow. 
Then  blushed  with  such  a  ruddy  glow- 
That  all  the  maidens  then  and  there 
Owned  there  was  none  so  good  ;uid  fair. 
And  wished  success  to  lovely  Claire. 
For  well,  with  ready  wit,  they  gu.^ssed 
She  had  a  purpose  in  her  breast 
That  none  from  her  devoted  swain 
The  triumph  of  the  course  should  gain; 
And  each  with  sympathizing  fac(^ 
Hoped  that  her  own  true  lover's  jilace 
Would  be  the  second  in  the  race. 
Then  forth  advancing  in  his  sleigh 
Tile  stately  form  of  old  Beauvais 
A])peared  among  the  shouting  throng. 
And  with  a  voice  like  Stentor's  strong. 
Taught  by  his  daughter's  shrewd  devic^e, 
Who  knew  the  mysteries  of  the  ice, 
Announced  the  scrupulous  rules  to  guide 
The  contest  for  the  peerless  bride. 
In  a  straight  run  the  course  shall  reach 
From  where  the  trending  of  the  beach 
Rounds  into  Pointe  a  Guignolet, 
To  Huron  Point  across  the  bay; 
Thence  turning  at  the  blasted  elm. 


llilllilil 


ii!;i 


258 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


The  limit  of  Maconce's  realm, 
liack  to  tlie  startini?  point  again 
Across  tlu;  white  and  slippery  plain. 
And  he  whose  steed's  returning  feet 
Shall  first  upon  the  margin  heat, 
Shall  take  my  mansion  and  my  land, 
And,  if  she  will,  my  daughter's  hand. 

The  greybeards  shrugged  their  shoulders  wide 

At  such  a  long  and  freezing  ride; 

Eight  miles  across  tlie  raven's  llight 

Must  reach  before  his  feet  can  light; 

And  when  upon  the  glassy  lloor 

That  space  must  twice  be  traveled  o'er, 

The  horse  that  wins  without  a  founder 

Must  be  as  hard  as  an  eighteen  pou  ader. 

JJut  the  swift  pacers  cocked  their  ears 

In  scorn  at  such  unworthy  fears; 

And,  ranged  in  order  on  the  shore. 

The  friendly  rivals  reached  a  score. 

Waiting  the  signal  to  begin 

The  race  that  only  one  could  win, 

Each  in  such  sliding  carriage  placed 

As  suits  his  money  or  his  taste. 

Jumper  and  cutter,  train  and  pung 

Behind  the  nimble  pony  swung, 

While  the  trim  cariole's  graceful  wedge, 

With  its  shafts  hung  low  at  the  runner's  edge, 

Was  decked  in  the  spoils  of  the  shaggy  bear, 

Ready  to  cleave  the  frozen  air. 

But  what  has  troubled  the  Sieur  Beauvais, 

And  what  the  cause  of  the  long  delay? 

The  course  is  long  and  the  day  is  brief, 

The  night  comes  on  like  a  stealthy  thief. 

And  woe  to  the  wight  who  rides  astray, 

Far  from  the  land  on  the  wintry  bay. 

Alas,  the  old  man's  eyes  are  dim; 

For  under  his  features  hard  and  grim 


:f  '- 1 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


259 


His  soul  is  soft  and  his  si)irit  mild, 

And  his  lieart  is  aching  for  his  cliild; 

He  knew  lior  love  for  young  Beauclerc, 

And  marveled  why  he  was  not  there. 

He  was  a  ^•">uth  of  manly  heart, 

Lithe  as  a  panther,  straight  as  a  dart, 

And  loved  to  shore  the  hunter's  toil 

More  than  he  cared  for  his  costly  spoil. 

Changing  their  names  with  one  another, 

The  Swan  creek  chieftain  called  him  brother. 

And  a  sturdy  man  he  saw  who  met 

The  tawny  or  white  Eshtonaquct. 

The  chief  just  come  from  a  prairie  trail, 

Brought  home  a  horse  like  a  spotted  quail, 

With  long  slim  neck  and  Arab  head, 

But  a  back  that  sloped  like  the  roof  of  a  shed, 

And  legs  that  raised  his  ample  chest 

Up  to  the  height  of  an  Indian's  breast. 

And  he  gave  a  hint  to  young  Beauclerc 

That  none  with  this  strange  beast  might  cope, 

Though  he  should  train  an  antelope. 

To  run  the  race  for  his  lady  fair. 

He  framed  a  jumper  of  ironwood  tough, 

Limber  and  stout,  but  rude  and  rough. 

His  harness  strong  and  his  reins  to  guide 

He  made  from  thongs  of  bison  hide. 

And  there  he  sat  with  the  jeering  racers. 

Proud  of  themselves  and  their  well  groomed  pacers, 

"Wrapped  in  the  shaggy  robes  of  skin 

That  his  red  brother  clad  him  in ; 

And  many  a  scoff  and  scornful  laugh 

Greeted  the  sleigh  with  the  brown  giraffe. 

A  whisper  from  the  Lady  Claire, 

And  the  old  man  with  dubious  air 

Shouted  the  signal.     Off  they  tly, 

Skimming  like  swallows  across  the  sky, 

But  far  behind,  with  drooping  tail. 


m  w 


i  I 


m 
m 


260 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


And  swinging  his  legs  lil<:e  a  clumsy  flail, 

The  prairie  beast  goes  sleudily  on 

As  if  there  were  never  a  race  to  be  won, 

While  the  neat  ponies  their  sinews  strain 

To  reach  the  verge  of  the  frozen  plain. 

But  when  they  turn  at  the;  blasted  tree, 

Panting  and  foaming,  lo,  they  see, 

Jogging  along  as  fresh  and  stout 

As  when  from  thc^  shore  they  first  set  out, 

The  clumsy  brute  ^vhose  movements  seem 

Like  the  measured  sweep  of  a  walking-beam. 

And  as  the  home-bound  rivals  ride 

Just  in  the  midst  of  the  basin  wide, 

TIk;  shambling  nag  witli  his  t(;rribie  stride 

Passes  them  all,  and  in  his  eyes 

Gleams  of  a  conscious  triumph  rise. 

Wider  and  wider  he  spreads  apart 

His  hoofs,  and  shoots  like  a  fiery  dart, 

Till  his  nimble  limbs  so  swiftly  fleet, 

IT(^  seems  like  a  body  without  any  feet 

Shot  like  a  ball  through  the  midst  of  the  air, 

And  he  reaches  the  goal  when  there's  nobody  there; 

For  they  thought  it  was  safe  to  sit  long  by  the  fire, 

Not  dreaming  this  monster,  with  sinews  of  wire. 

And  never  within  u  decent  stall, 

Would  thus  so  horribly  beat  them  all. 

But  the  boys  when  they  saw  the  meek  young  men 
Moodily  driving  back  again, 

Shouted  a  mocking  mange  V amine  ! 

And  the  merry  maids  with  smiling  lip 

Welcomed  them  back  from  their  leisure  trip. 

But  they  looked  more  blithe  when  the  jolly  priest 

Asked  them  in  to  the  wedding  feast; 

And  never  since  that  Christmas-day 

Hav^  the  good  dwellers  by  the  bay 

Danced  at  the  bridal  of  lady  fair. 

Sweeter  and  brighter  than  lovely  Claire. 


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ijii 


INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  FRENCH  FAMILIES. 


It  is  not  the  intention  of  the  writer  to  give  a  detailed  liistory  of 
the  Frencli  families,  who  first  came  to  settle  at  Detroit,  but  to 
furnish  such  chronological  data,  as  will  be  of  value  and  interest  to 
the  descendants  of  this  hardy  Norman  stock. 

In  order  to  simplify  the  work,  as  a  rule,  the  names  have  been 
selected  of  those,  who  are  still  perpetuated  in  the  farms,  streets  or 
counties.  In  many  cases,  their  ancestral  estates  have  passed  into 
strangers'  hands,  whilst  others  have  sought  new  homes  and  ties 
on  the  Canadian  soil.  Of  the  latter  class  are  the  families  of  Baby, 
Pillet,  Goyeau,  Parent,  Montreuil,  Marentette,  Janis,  Drouillard, 
Maisonville,  La  Butte,  Jeanette  and  Berlhelet,  a  name  well  and 
favorably  known  in  Detroit,  and  still  most  prominent  in  Canada. 

At  the  time  of  the  English  Conquest  in  1760,  many  English  and 
Scotch  came  to  cast  their  destinies  with  the  fortunes  of  the  strug- 
gling French  colony.  They  were  followed  later  by  a  number  of 
Americans,  who  lent  their  talents,  industry  and  enterprise  towards 
rendering  Detroit,  the  most  beautiful  and  prosperous  city  of  the 
west.  A  history  of  the  French  families  would  be  incomplete 
without  even  a  brief  mention  of  these  noble  pioneers:  Cass,  Sibley, 
Woodbridge,  Forsythe,  Larned,  Brush,  Yisgar,  A])l)ott,  Audrain, 
Connor,  Eberts,  Knaggs,  Leib,  Hunt,  Macomb,  AVilliams,  Mc- 
Dougall,  Sterling,  McNiflf,  Meldrum,  Parke,  Schwartz,  Jones, 
"Witherell,  Palmer,  Whiting,  Roberts,  etc.,  etc. 


il' 

ii: 


264 


Jj^yends  of  Le  Detroit. 


¥  n 


STE.  ANNE'S  CHURCH. 


A  history  rf  Ste.  Anne's  Church  would  be  a  historj'  of  the  early 
Colony.  To  more  graphic  pens  than  mine  I  leave  this  task.  Like 
a  tender  mother  she  uathcred  her  cliildren  around  her.  she  smiled 
in  their  joys  and  mourned  in  their  sorrows,  she  placed  the  signet 
of  heaven  on  the  brow  of  the  new  born,  she  blessed  the  nuptial 
pair,  and  laid  to  sleep  within  her  consecrated  bosom  the  weary 
pilgrim.  She  kept  a  faithful  record  of  the  names  and  places  of 
birth  of  all  her  children.  Tiirough  lire,  wars  and  Indian  devasta- 
tions she  was  true  to  her  sacred  cliarge,  and  to-day  many  a  claim 
to  disputed  property  has  been  justly  settled  by  her  undeniable 
evidence.  To  the  student  of  genealogy  these  old  records  Avith 
their  musty  yellow  paper,  blurred  writing  and  odor  of  antiquity 
are  most  eloquent  epitomes  of  the  brevity  of  human  life.  Each 
generation  like  a  wave  of  the  sea  rises,  swells,  then  bursts  on  the 
shores  of  Eternity.  He  realizes  the  deej),  profound  truth  hidden 
in  the  homely  child  rhyme  of  Solomon  Grundy.  The  lullaby  of 
the  nursery  only  liidcs  the  De  P'ofundes  of  the  diurch. 

The  first  Ste.  Anne's  Church  was  built  within  the  portals  of 
old  Fort  Pontchartrain,  and  was  called  Ste.  Anne's,  from  the  fact 
that  the  tirst  mass  celebrated  therein  was  on  the  feast  of  that  Ste. 
(who  was  the  mother  of  the  Blessed  Virgin),  July  30,  1701.  This 
chiu'ch  built  by  Cadillac  was  destroyed  by  the  Indians,  but  rebuilt 
shortly  afterwards  in  1723.  It  occupied  the  ground  on  the  north 
.side  of  Ste.  Anne's  street  (now  Jefferson  Avenue),  and  stood  op- 
posite Joseph  Campeau's  homestead  between  Griswold  and  Shelby 
Sts.  It  was  then  custoiuary  to  bury  within  its  walls  the  trustees. 
Robert  Navarre.  Sr.,  Royal  Notary  and  Sub-Intendant,  Pierre 
Chesne,  Pierre  Godfroy  de  Roquetiliade,  Chevalier  Trotier  dea 
Ruisseau.x  and  Dr.  Chapotou  were  buried  therein.  The  trustees  also 
occupied  a  special  pew,  generally  the  first  one  on  the  right  side  of 
the  aisle,  near  the  altar.  In  1805  the  fire  swept  away  tlie  church. 
On  the  4th  of  October,  1806,  the  Governor  and  Judges  granted  the 
petition  presented  by  Father  Richard  for  a  deed  to  the  ground  to 
erect  a  new  church.    The  following  was  the  resolution  passed: 

"Resolved,  That  the'Roman  Catholic  Church  be  built  in  the  centre 
of  the  little  military  square  on  section  No.  1  on  the  ground  adja- 
cent to  the  burying  ground,  the  said  lot  fronting  on  East  and 
"West  avenue  (Michigan  avenue)  200  feet  wide  and  running  back 
200  feet  deep,  and  bounded  on  the  three  sides  by  three  other 
streets."  For  a  few  years  subsequent  to  the  fire,  the  people  at- 
tended service  in  the  Meldrum  storehouse  near  the  river,  between 
Randolph  and  Bates  streets,  from  thence  Father  Richard  removed 
to  Springwells,  where  mass  was  said  in  a  house  on  the  Lasellefarm. 
The  records  of  Ste.  Anne's  have  been  faithfully  kept  from  1701, 
when  the  tirst  baptism  administered  in  the  colony  was  to  Therfise, 


Juirhj  Fre7ich  FamiJien. 


265 


(liuijjhtor  ol'  Lii  Mot  ho  Cadillac.  To  show  (he  caro  manifested  ill 
preparinir  tliese  early  records,  below  an  instance  is  given  (trans- 
lation). 

"The  undersigned  lieeollet  Priest  e.vercising  vicarial  fnnclious 
at  Fort  Pontcluirtrain  of  Detroit,  declares  that  the  present  book 
contains  13  sheets  of  paper,  being  the  veritable  first  book  or  regis- 
try of  baptisms  and  interments  at  Fort  ]*onchartrain,  and  that  it 
has  been  prepared  and  arranged  by  the  venerable  Here  Dominique 
de  la  Marche,  formerly  Professor  of  Theology  and  lieeollet  Priest, 
my  predecessor  at  this  same  mission  of  Fort  I'onchartrain,  and 
for  the  purpose  of  giving  to  this  registry  all  necessary  force  and 
value,  I  have  requested  Monsieur  Antoine  de  la  Mothe  Cadillac, 
commandant  for  the  king  at  said  fort,  to  honor  it  with  his  signa- 
ture. 

Done  at  said  place  the  15th  of  Januaiy,  1709. 

Fkkkk   CiFKuriuN   Dkniau. 

Recollet  Miss  Priest." 

"  We,  Antoine  De  la  3Iothe  Cadillac,  Lord  of  the  pls.ees  of 
Douaguet  and  jVIont  Desert,  Commander  for  the  king  at  Fort 
Ponchartrain,  certify  that  the  present  book  contains  13  sheets, 
being  the  faithful  registry  of  baptisms  and  interments.  In  faitl^ 
of  which  we  have  signed. 

Done  at  said  fort,  January  10th,  1709. 

(Signed)  La  .Motiik  Cadfllac." 

The  signatures  attached  to  the  different  entries  show  that  the 
officers  and  many  of  the  colonists  were  familiar  with  the  pen. 
The  spirit  of  caste  is  apparent  in  the  designation  of  titles  and 
various  employments.  A  glance  at  the  signatures  at  the  end  of  a 
marriage  entry,  at  once  gives  a  clue  to  the  social  position  of  the 
contracting  parties.  The  officers,  l)oth  civil  and  military,  belonged 
to  the  old  regime  and  many  of  them  bore  names  which  stood 
high  among  the  noblesse  of  France.  Louis  XIV,  anxious  to 
promote  the.  interests  of  his  colonies,  offered  every  inducement 
in  the  sliapc  of  grants  of  land  and  boimties  to  eniigrants  from 
France.  By  younger  sons  of  the  nobilit}',  by  those  whose  fortunes 
had  been  ruined,  and  by  the  adventurous,  these  opportunities 
were  readily  seized;  whilst  the  feudal  system  was  dying  out  in 
France,  the  king  revived  it  in  the  colony  of  Canada.  i)y  granting 
to  his  officers,  distinguished  soldiers  and  prominent  colonists, 
so  called  seigneuries,  (a  domain  of  half  a  league  front  and  two  or 
three  leagues  deep)  mostly  situated  on  the  St.  Lawrence  and  its 
tributaries,  outside  the  grants  to  Cadillac.  There  were  no  seig- 
neuries granted  on  the  Detroit  or  along  the  lakes,  save  the  one 
to  the  Chevalier  Le  Gardeur  de  Uepentiguy,  at  Saulte  Ste.  Marie, 


I 


[III 


i  Si 


206 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


n^  *^ 


but  iu  i)ljice,  were  the  grants  of  Iniul,  ivt  present  called  farms, 
and  which  were  only  originally  given  to  prominent  colonists. 
The  younger  scions  of  French  noblesse  could  enter  into 
trade;  in  these  colonies  without  derogating  from  their  rank, 
and  at  once;  opened  an  inunense  trach;  in  l)ear,  mink  and  other 
furs  with  the  Indians.  A  merchant  then,  was  a  man  requiring 
considerable  wealth,  for  every  artich;  of  use  was  brought  from  (Que- 
bec or  Montreal  by  canoe,  which  was  dangerous  and  perilous  with 
tedious  portages.  The  ollicers  who  came  here  were  generally  aeconi- 
lanied  by  their  wives  and  someof  their  connections.  Sometimes  the 
ove  of  admiration  was  greater  than  that  of  conjugal  alfe(;tioii,  us 
n  the  case  of  the  beautiful  Aiigeli({ue  des  >[eloises,  the  wife  of 
rlngues  Pean,  who  found  Quelx'c  and  the  society  of  [ntcMidant 
!  Bigot,  too  interesting  to  accompany  her  husband  to  IIk;  uncivilized 
wilds  of  his  new  post.  The  Campeaus,  C/UilUu'ier  de  Heaubien, 
Trotier  des  Iluisseaux,  C'hesne  St.Onge,  Godefroy  de  Ro(pietiliado, 
and  Godefroy  de  ]Mar1)oeuf,  liarthe,  Cicolte  and  Gode  de  Maren- 
tette accompanied  some  of  tin;  ollicers  to  whom  they  were  related. 
De  Mersac,  Chapoton,  Keaume,  (Mial)ert  de  Joncaireand  Mouetde 
Moras  came  as  ollicers.  The  .Morand  Grimard,  Des  Comjitos 
Labadie,  De  (^uindre  came  between  1745  and  tlie  English  con- 
quest. The  Macombs,  Anthons,  McDougalls,  lliopelles  and  many 
others  came  in  with  the  English  con(iuest  of  panada,  iu  17G0. 

The  titles  were  dropped  from  the  record  entries,  also  the  gen- 
eral designation  of  employment,  place  of  residence  and  jirofession, 
in  1760.  It  was  then  customary  to  confer  soubriquets  or  nick- 
names. These  were  either  derived  from  the  province,  city  or 
village  from  whence  the  individual  came,  vi/,.:  CasseditSt.  Aubin 
Cauchois  (de  Caux),  Provensal  (de  Provence);  or  from  some  agri- 
cultural source,  such  as:  L'oignon  (onion).  La  Tulippc  (Tulip),  La 
prune  (plum);  from  some  marked  peculiarity:  Grosse  Jambe  (big 
leg),  Momirelle  (mummy) ;  others  from  the  estates,  viz. :  De  Beuu- 
bieu,  de  Bendy;  De  Quindre,  de  Marentette.  A  child  born  on  a 
festival  was  pretty  sure  of  perpetuating  the  event  in  his  name, 
viz. :  NoOl,  Pasques,  Toussaint,  Assumption.  This  custom  pre- 
vails to  some  extent  to  the  present  day,  among  their  descendants. 
Some  of  these  families  have  thus,  in  the  course  of  two  hundred 


P.  8. — Carignan  Regiment.  Li  16G4,  Louis  XIV  sent  to 
Canada,  the  famous  Regiment  de  Carignan  commanded  by  Col. 
de  Sallii^res.  Itjwas  a  famous  bodj'^of  troops,and  had  distinguished 
itself  fighting  against  the  Turks.  It  was  consolidated  with  that 
of  Sallier  named  in  honor  of  the  Colonel  of  the  Carignan.  They 
were  officered  by  fifty  or  sixty  French  gentlemen  belonging  to  the 
noblesse.  Many  of  them  obtained  concessions  of  land,  settled  upon 
them  and  became  the  ancestors  of  many  of  the  French  families  of 
to-day. 


Early  French  Families. 


267 


sent  to 
by  Col. 
ig'iiished 
i'tli  that 
They 
g  to  the 
(.'d  upou 
nilios  of 


years  lost  their  oriiiinal  names  and  are  either  knftwn  by  their  title 
or  soul)ri(HU't  or  their  names  have  become  completely  Angliciy.ed. 

The  older  officers  who  came  with  La  Mothe  or  were  stationed  at 
the  post  at  dilTerent  times,  ure  usually  desiifnated  in  the  records  as 
liavini^  belonged  to  the  Carignan  Sallieres  regiment  or  to  a  "Detach- 
ment of  Marines."  They  were  not  marines  in  the  present  accept- 
ance of  the  term,  but  troops  sent  out  from  France  under  the 
auspices  of  the  naval  department,  and  responsible  to  that  authority 
alone. 

Many  think  that  the  French  Canadian  spoke  only  a  patoix  for- 
getting tiiat  at  the  period  when  these  pioneers  came,  French  litera- 
ture was  in  its  /enilh.  IJeinga  conservative  people,  they  i)r('><erved 
not  only: the  manners  and  customs  of  the  mother  country,  but  the 
purity  of  its  language,  a  fact  illustrated  by  a  request  made  recently 
by  certain  French  writers  for  the  simple  old  Norman  songs,  which 
the  French  Canadian  alone  retained  in  all  their  original  purity. 
Many  words  which  are  considered  patoix,  may  be  found  in  the 
works  of  Racine, Corneille,  or  Boileau.  The  languag(!  of  France 
like  the  human  body  is  constantly  undergoing  a  clmnge.  A 
Parisian  four  years  absent  from  Paris  is  liable  to  be  detected  when 
he  writes.  One  is  reminded  of  the  fish  woman  of  Athens  who 
knew  by  a  new  customer's  accent  that  he  belonged  to  the  suburbs 
of  the  city. 

Almost  all  the  old  families  possessed  slaves  as  servants;  they 
were  called  "Panis."  Very  few  were  of  African  origin,  mostly 
Indians,  belonging  to  remote  tribes  who  had  been  made  prisoners 
by  the  Ottawas  or  Iroquois.  They  were  sold  to  the  whites,  in 
some  instances  given  as  presents  by  a  chief  who  wished  to  secure 
the  good  offices  of  the  pale  face.  They  made  exceptionally  good 
servants,  and  were  much  attached  to  their  masters.  The  records 
of  Ste,  Anne's,  have  faithfully  chronicled  their  births,  mar- 
riages and  deaths. 

Priests  stationed  at  Fort  Pontciiartrain  from  1701  to 

1832. 


Father  Valliant,  S.  J. ;  Frere  Constantin  Del  Ilalle,  a  Rccollet, 
— both  accompanied  La  Mothe  Cadillac  in  1701;  Del  Ilalle  was 
killed  by  the  Indians  in  1706;  2.  Dominique  de  la  Marche,  1706- 
1707, — he  was  sent  to  another  mission;  3.  Cherubin  Deniau,  1707 
-1714;  4.  Hyacinthe  Pelfresne,  1714-1718;  5.  Calvarin.  V.  G.  of 
the  mission  of  Tamaruas,  1718-1719;  6,  Jean  Mercier.  1719-1720, 
of  the  foreign  missions  of  Paris;  7.  D.  Thaumur,  1720-1732;  8. 
P.  Delino,  1719;  9.  Bonaveuture,  1723-1735,— Charlevoix  men- 
tions meeting  him  when  visiting  Fort  Pontchartrain  in  1722;  10. 
P.  Daniel,  1735-1733;  11.  Bonaventure,  again,  from  1738-1754; 
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Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


1738-1754;  18.  Simple  Bouquet,  1754-1784;  14.  P.  Hubert,  priest 
of  the  Assumption,  Sandwich,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Quebec;  15, 
P.  Payet,  1782-1780;  16.  Pierre  Freshet.  1786-1796;  17.  Michel 
Levmloux,  1796-1803;  18.  Gabriel  Richard,  V.  G.  of  the  Sulpici- 
ans, — allied  on  the  maternal  side  to  Bossuet,  the  great  pulpit 
orator  of  France,— from  1789-1832. 

This  remarkable  man  was  born  at  Saintes,  France,  Oct.  15, 
1764.  He  was  educated  at  the  College  of  Angers,  and  studied  for 
the  ministry  at  the  Theological  Seminary  of  Paris.  During  the 
Revolution,  he  left  France,  came  to  America  and  was  appomted 
Professor  of  Mathematics  in  St.  Mary's  College,  Md.  He  was  a 
missionary  to  the  Indians  for  six  years.  In  1798  he  came  to  De- 
troit and  built  the  present  Ste.  Anne's  Church.  He  was  a  man 
of  wonderful  erudition;  he  spoke  and  wrote  in  seven  different 
lauguiiges.  So  anxious  was  he  to  establish  schools  for  the  educa- 
tion of  his  tiock  that  he  sent  to  France  for  teachers.  The  first 
printing-press  in  the  Northwest  was  brought  to  Detroit  by  him. 
All  the  laws  of  the  Territory  and  the  printed  matter  then  re- 
quired was  done  under  his  immediate  supervision.  He  published 
the  Mkhu/ari  Essay,  a  French  newspaper,  which  was  later  dis- 
continued. Many  an  old  French  family  to-day  possess  prayer- 
books  and  other  religious  works  published  by  this  pioneer  press. 
He  took  an  active  interest  in  everything  appertaining  to  the 
growth  and  advanccsment  of  the  Territory. 

In  1823  he  was  elected  delegate  to  Congress,  where  his  success- 
ful efforts  for  the  good  of  the  Territory  earned  him  the  grateful 
appr(>(!iation  of  every  enterprising  citizen.  His  acquaintance  was 
eagerly  sought  by  Catholic  and  Protestant.  There  were  no  fire 
engines,  nor  weH-regulated  fire  departments  in  those  days.  At 
the  first  alarm  all  able-bodied  citizens  ranged  themselves  in  two 
lines  Irom  the  river  to  the  burning  pile,  the  leather  buckets  (which 
always  hung  in  the  front  hall)  were  passed  up  one  line,  the  empty 
ones  down  the  opposite  one.  Father  Richard  always  took  his 
place  with  the  rest.  During  the  cholera  he  was  indefatigable  in 
attendance  on  the  sick  and  dying.  Two  long  months  of  inces- 
sant labor  among  the  most  harrowing  scenes,  told  heavily  on  a 
constitution  already  impaired  by  great  austerities  and  over-work. 
Yet  the  weary,  worn,  faithful  guardsman  of  Calvary  only  left 
his  i>ost  when  disease  placed  its  fatal  impress  upon  him.  Even 
then,  mindful  of  his  flock,  he  consoled  them  by  promising  that  his 
death  "would  close  the  door  on  the  cholera."  The  prediction 
was  verified;  his  was  the  last  case.  Two  thousand  mourners 
followed  his  remains  to  their  last  resting  place,  the  sublime  char- 
acter of  the  man  conquering  nature's  selfish  fear  of  contagion. 
For  forty-three  years  he  was  intimately  identified  with  the  City 
of  the  Straits,  In  the  history  of  Detroit  Gabriel  Richard  will 
always  be  the  central  figure  as  an  accomplished  scholar,  a  spirited 
citizen,  an  able  statesman  and  a  saintly  and  heroic  priest. 


■"  *V:Sl! 


Early  French  Families. 


209 


Vincent  Stephen  Badin,  1833, — the  first  Catholic  priest  or- 
dained in  tlie  United  States.  In  1821  Rev.  Father  Fenwick 
became  Bishop  of  Cincinnati  and  Administrator  of  Michisfan. 
Bishop  Rezc  was  the  first  Bishop  ai»poiuled  for  the  See  of  Michi- 
gan. Ste.  Anne's  then  became  tlie  Cathedral  and  remained  so 
imtil  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul  (the  present  Jesuit  Church)  was  com- 
pleted by  Bishop  Lefebre.  The  corner  stone  of  the  third  Ste. 
Anne's  was  laid  in  1806  by  Bi.shop  Flagcit,  of  Kentucky,  though 
not  finished  imtil  many  years  later. 

To  the  kindness  and  courtesy  of  the  present  pastor  of  Ste. 
Anne's,  Rev.  Theophile  Anciaux,  T  am  under  many  obligations 
for  access  to  the  old  and  valuable  records  of  this  venerable 
church. 


FBENCH  COMMANDERS  AT  FORT  PONTCHABTBAIN. 


Cadillac,  1701-1714;  De  Bourgmont  during  Cadillac's  absence, 
1706;  De  La  For6t,  1711-1717;  DuBuisson,  temporary  commander, 
1713;  Alphonae  de  Tonty.  Baron  de  Paludy,  1717-1734;  Deschamps 
de  Boiehebert.  1735-1730;  Huges  Pean,  Lord  de  Livandii^re, 
Knight  of  St.  Louis,  hereditary  Town  Major  of  Quebec,  1734;  Pa- 
jot;  Augustin  Le  Gardeur  de  Courtemanche ;  De  Noyelle  de  Fleuri- 
mont,  1739;  Deschaillons  de  St.  Ours;  Dagneaux  Douville; 
Pierre  Payen  de  Noyan ;  Jacques  Chas.  de  Sabrevois  ;  Jean  Bapte 
de  Celerou  ;  Paul  Jos.  Le  Moyne  de  Longueil,  1743;  Nicolas  D'- 
Ameau  de  Muy;  Marie  Francois  Picote  de  Bellestre. 

Surgeons  :  1.  Antoine  Forestier;  3.  Jean  Bapte  Chapoton,  1718- 
1755;  Gabriel  Christophe  Le  Grand,  1755-1760;  Dr.  Chas.  Chris- 
tian Anthon,  1760-1764.  He  came  to  Detroit,  November  29, 
1760,  with  Major  Rogers.  He  married  in  1770  Marianne  Navarre, 
widow  of  Jacques  St.  Martin.  He  was  the  father  of  the  cele- 
brated classical  scholar,  Chas.  Anthon. 

ADHEMAB  DE  ST.  MARTIN. 


To  this  famil}'  belong  a  branch  of  Navarre,  Gode  de  Maren- 
tette,  the  Anthons  of  New  York,  the  Scotch  branch  of  Mcintosh. 

Antoine  AdhCmar  de  St.  Martin  was  appointed  a  Royal  Notary 
at  Quebec  as  early  as  1660.  He  was  the  son  of  Michel  and  Cecile 
Gache,  de  St.  Salvy,  Haut  Lanquedoc.  He  married  twice.  His  de- 
s(;('iidants  by  his  first  wife  are  still  in  Canada.  By  his  second, 
Michelle  Cusson,  whom  he  married  in  1687,  he  had  one  son,  Jean 
Bapte,  born  1689,  who  in  1709,  came  to  Detroit,  and  married 
there  Marie  Louise  Dogon,  by  whom  he  had  five  children :  1.  Jo- 
seph, married  1757,  Madeleine  Peuillet;  he  died  in  1778;  2.  Jac- 
ques.surnamed  La  Butte, married  1780,Marianne  Navarre, daughter 


imw'''^^ 


270 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit 


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of  Robert,  the  Sub-Intendant ;  3.  Francois ;  4.  Marguerite,  married 
1758,  Col.  Louis  Jadot.  She  is  the  ancestress  of  tlie  Anthons  of 
New  York;  5.  Marie  Louise,  married  1760,  Jacques  Gode  de 
Marentette. 

Jacques  de  St,  Martin,  frequently  called  La  Butte,  was  a  noted 
interpreter.  He  was  a  brother-m-law  of  Lt.  Geo.  McDougall, 
whom  he  accompanied  with  Major  Campbell  to  Pontiac's  camp  at 
that  chief's  suggestion  that  he  wished  to  treat  with  them.  The 
office  of  interpreter  was  a  very  important  one,  and  the  English 
suffered  much  owing  to  the  rascality  of  some  of  these  men.  The 
French  missionaries  and  French  officers  were  mostly  all  familiar 
with  the  Indian  languages  and  were  seldom  imposed,  upon.  Brad- 
street  and  Sir  William  Johnson  complained  of  their  interpreters, 
but  always  made  honorable  exceptions  of  Chal)ert  de  Joncaire 
Chesne  La  Butte,  later  of  Henry  Connor  and  Whittmore  Knaggs. 
He  married  Marianne  Navarre,  who  after  his  death  in  1768,  mar- 
ried Dr.  George  Christian  Anthon.  She  died  at  the  age  of  36 
leaving  no  heirs  by  Anthon,  but  three  by  St.  Martin.  They  re- 
sided in  the  old  Cass  House  which  belonged  to  St.  Martin.  1.  St. 
Martin  St.  Martin,  died  in  early  manhood,  unmarried.  2.  Finon, 
married  Philip  Fry;  3.  Archange,  born  1766,  married  Angus  Mc- 
intosh, who  inherited  the  estates  which  belonged  to  the  Earldom 
of  Moy,  the  Earldom  itself  having  been  forfeited  in  the  rebellion 
against  the  House  of  Hanover.  He  was  noted  for  his  lavish  hos- 
pitality. The  sons  of  this  marriage  returned  to  Scotland.  Two 
of  the  daughters  were  well  known  in  Detroit,  Mrs.  Henry  J.  Hunt, 
and  Miss  Kittie  Mcintosh  who  died  a  few  years  ago. 

ANTHON   BRANCH. 

Marguerite  de  St.  Martin  married,  1758,  Col.  Louis  Jadot,  an 
officer  in  De  Muy's  regiment.  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  Jacques  Ja- 
dot, former  Mayor  and  Alderman  of  Rocrois  (France),  and  Marie 
Bolaud.  Col.  Jadot  was  killed  in  1765  by  the  Indians,  his  wife 
had  died  in  1764  leaving  an  infant  daughter,  Genevieve,  to  the  care 
of  her  brother  Jacques  and  his  wife  Marianne  Navarre.  Little 
Genevieve  was  kindly  taken  care  of  by  her  aunt  Marianne,  who 
becoming  a  widow  married  Dr.  Asthon.  In  1773  Mrs.  Anthon 
died,  and  Genevieve  was  left  with  her  cousins,  the  St.  Martin 
children,  as  the  wards  of  Dr.  Anthon  and  their  uncle,  Alexander 
Macomb.  When  Genevieve  reached  her  fifteenth  year  Dr.  An- 
thon married  her;  he  was  at  the  time  forty -five. 

A  brief  sketch  of  the  Dr.  whose  life  was  an  adventurous  one  and 
who  gave  to  America  its  most  celebrated  classical  scholar,  Chas, 
Anthon,  may  be  interesting  to  many.  Dr.  Geo.  Christian  Anthon, 
born  at  Salzugen  in  1734,  died  in  New  York,  1815.  He  studied 
medicine  in  his  native  place,  afterwards  at  Gerstungen.  In  1750 
he  passed  his  examination  before  the  medical  authorities  of  Eiscn- 


Early  French  Families. 


271 


bach.  From  thence  in  1754  he  went  to  Amsterdam,  passed  two 
examinations  tliere  before  the  College  of  Surgeons,  and  was  ap- 
pointed surgeon  in  the  Dutch  West  India  trade.  He  made 
several  voj'ages  but  the  vessel  he  was  on  was  captured  in  1757  by 
a  British  privateer  from  N.  Y. ,  and  was  carried  into  that  port. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-three,  he  found  himself  in  a  new  and  strange 
country  without  friends  and  with  no  other  resources  than  his  pro- 
fession. Confident  of  his  ability  he  applied  for  a  position  in  the 
military  hospital  at  Albany.  His  talents  were  recognized  and  he 
was  appointed  Ass.  Surgeon  in  the  First  Battallion,  60  Regiment, 
Royal  Americans.  In  1760,  he  was  detached  with  the  party  which 
under  Major  Rogers  took  possession  of  Detroit.  He  marriea  twice : 
1st,  Marianne  Navarre,  the  widow  of  Jacques  de  St.  Martin,  by 
whom  he  had  no  heirs;  in  1778  Genevieve  Jadot,  her  orphau 
niece  on  the  St.  Martin  side.  In  1786  Dr.  Anthon  removed  with 
his  family  to  New  York,  journeying  thither  by  way  of  Montreal. 
Three  of  the  Dr. 's  children  were  born  in  Detroit.  George,  born 
1781,  died,  N.  Y.,  1865;  John.*  born  1784,  died,  N.  Y.,  1863; 
Dorothea  Louisa,  born  1786,  died  N.  Y.,  1786;  Catherine,  bom 
1787,died,N.Y..1789;  Jane,born  1791,died,N.Y.,1859;  liOuisa.born 
1798;  Henry,  born  1795,  died  1861,  became  the  Rev,  Henry 
Anthon  of  *' St.  Mark's"  in  the  Bowery;  Charles,  born  1797, 
died  1867,  the  most  accomplished  Greek  and  Latin  scholar  of 
America;  William,  born  1799,  died  1831;  Marie,  born  1801,  died 
1803;  Edward,  born  1805,  died  1830. 

BABY. 


This  family,  strictly  speaking,  after  the  English  Conquest 
became  and  remained  English  subjects.  One  of  its  illustrious 
branches  was  born  in  Detroit,  and  a  few  of  its  descendants  still 
reside  in  the  State.  The  founder  was  Jacques  Baby  de  Rainville, 
son  of  Jean,  Seigneur  de  Rainville  and  Isabeau  Robin,  of  Guienne, 
France.  Jacques  was  an  officer  in  the  famous  Carignan  Regiment, 
and  thus  came  to  America.  He  married,  in  1670,  Jehanne 
Dandonneau  du  Sablee.    Their  children  were  : 

Marie  Jeanne,  born  1671,  married  1689,  PauldeLusignan,  and  in 
1700,  Claude  Pauperet. 

Jacques,  born  1673,  married  1709,  Madeline  Veron  de  Grand- 
menil. 

Marie  Madeleine,  born  1683,  married  1708,  Jean  Bapte,  Crevier 
de  Duvernay,  a  noted  family,  allied  to  the  Gamelins,  Hertels  de 
Rouville,  Boucher  and  Gatineau  Du  Plessis. 

Raymond,  born  1638,  married  1721,  Ther^se  Dupre,  daughter  of 

*  John  was  one  of  the  most  eminent  lawyers  of  New  York. 
Author  of  several  valuable  legal  works. 


272 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


i 


Louis  Lecomte  Dupre  and  (-ath. St. Georges.  They  were  blessed  witlt 
many  children ;  of  their  daughtiirs,  one  became  the  Mother 
Ther^se  de  Jesus,  Ursuline  nun  at  'I'hrce  Rivers,  one  married  Dr. 
Claude  Benoist,  of  Montreal,  another  married  Louis  Perrault,  the 
fourth  married  Jean  Bapte,  de  Niverville  Seigneur  de  Chamblay ;  of 
the  sons,  Antoine.  died  unmarried,  Louis,  married  1758,  Louise  de 
Couague,  daughter  of  Jean  Bapte,  Capt,  of  Infantry,  and  Marguerite 
L^  Neuf  de  Falaise. 

Jacques  Dupciron  Baby  settled  at  Detroit.  His  name  is  inti- 
mately woven  in  the  history  of  the  seige  of  Pontiac,  in  1760.  He 
was  a  man  of  great  worth  and  integrity,  gaining  alike  the  respect 
and  confidence  of  the  French,  English  and  Indians.  He  married  in 
1760Susanno  lieaume,  daughter  of  Pierre  and  Susanne  Hubert  de  lu 
Croix.  Jacques  died  in  179G,  leaving  eleven  children  to  bless  his 
name  and  to  emulate  his  good  example.  Of  the  girls,  one  mar. 
Mr.  Caldwell,  one  Mr.  Allison,  another  Ross  Lerin,  and  the  fourth 
Mr.  Bellingham,  afterwards  Lord  Bellingham.  Three  of  the  sons 
became  officers  in  the  ^British  army,  and  by  their  bravery  won 
renown  and  high  positions.  They  were  Daniel,  Antoine  and 
Louis.  Pierre  studied  medicine  at  Edinburg,  Scotland.  He  re- 
turned to  Canada  and  married  a  lady  of  Scotch  extraction. 

Jacques,  the  eldest  of  Jacques  Dup6ron  and  Susanne  Reaume, 
after  completing  his  studies  at  the  Seminary  of  Quebec,  went  to 
Europe  to  perfect  himself  in  certain  branches.  He  married  p]liza 
Abbot,  by  whom  he  had  Ave  boys  and  one  girl  : 

Jacques  became  a  lawyer,  and  died  in  Toronto;  he  had  mar.  the 

of  an  English  officer. 

Rjiymond  was  sheriff  for  Kent  Co. 

Charles  settled  in  Sandwich  and  left  several  children. 

William  also  settled  in  Sandwich. 

Eliza  married  Hon.  Chas.  Casgrain,  son  of  Pierre  Casgrain,  Seig- 
neur de  la  Bouteillerie,  whose  sons  and  grandsons  have  retlected 
glory  on  their  ancestry,  Dr.  Casgrain  in  surgery,  Abbe  Raymond 
by  his  gifted  pen,  Thomas  Chase  Casgrain,  of  Quebec,  at  the  bar, 
whilst  the  daughters  have  devoted  their  lives  to  the  service  of 
God. 

Francois  Dufresne  Baby,  youngest  .son  of  Raymond  and 
TherSse  Dupre,  married  at  Quebec,  in  1786,  Marianne  Tarieu  de 
Lanaudifire,  granddaughter  of  Baron  de  Longueil.  She  died  in 
1844,  leaving  four  boys  and  four  girls,  Francois,  a  son,  married  a 
sister  of  Bishop  Pinsonnault. 

BABTHE. 


Theophile  Barthe,  armorer  to  the  king,  married  in  Montreal,  in 
1718,  Charlotte  Alavoine,  daughter  of  a  prominent  merchant  of 
that  city.     Two  of  their  sons,  Charles  and  Pierre,  left  home  to 


Early  French  Families, 


273 


seek  their  fortune  in  Lii  Mothe  Cadillac's  colony.  Charles  became 
very  prominent,  settled  for  a  while  at  Mackinaw,  lie  met  his 
fate  in  Theri^se  Cami)e!iu,  daughter  of  Louis  and  Marie  Louise 
Robert,  and  married  her  in  1747.  At  their  marriage  at  Fort 
Ponlcliartrain  were  present  Jo>;('ph  Lemoync  de  Longucil,  Kniglit 
of  St.  Louis,  Commandant  of  tlie  post,  Jos.  Douaire  de  Bondy, 
Chas,  Chesne,  I)u  Musseaux,  Dr.  Chapoton,  Pierre  Chesne, 
Fatiier  Honaventure.  priest.  Cliarles  and  TlierOse  were  blessed 
witii  a  numerous  offspring,  wliose  descendants  all  occupy  promi- 
nent positions  in  Canada  and  in  the  United  States. 

1.  Marie  Areliange,  B.  1749.  Dr.  Chapoton  of  the  French 
army,  was  her  godfather.  Slie  married  Joiin  Askin,  Governor 
of  Michillimackinac.  The  Askins  are  of  Scotch  origin  and  trace 
back  to  the  f^arl  of  Mar.  A  brunch  of  this  family  settled  in  Ire- 
land and  from  there  emigrated  to  America.  Tiie  proper  name 
is  Erskiiie  but  was  converted  into  Askin  by  the  Irish  branch. 
The  cinldren  of  John  and  Therese  were: 

Chaules  John,  B,  1780;  married  Monique  Jacobs.  He  dwelt 
in  the  old  Askin  homestead  at  Walkerville,  Canada,  called  Streb- 
ane,  after  the  ancestral  estate  in  Ireland.  Adelaide.  B.  May  80th, 
1788;  married  1802,  Elijali  Brusli,  Attorney  General  of  the  North- 
West  Territory  and  Colonel  of  the  Legionary  Corps  during  the 
war  of  1813.     Four  children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union: 

1.  Edmund,  married  Elizabeth  Cass  Hunt. 

2.  Dr.  Alfred,  died  unmarried. 

3.  Charles,  married  Jane  Forsyth. 

4.  Cymethia,  married  Mr.  Meredith. 

3.  Therese,  married  Col.  Alexander  McKee,  the  British  Indian 
Agent.  The  only  son  of  this  marriage,  Alexander,  married  Fe- 
lice Jacobs,  of  Sandwich,  Canada,  where  his  descendants  reside. 

4.  Ellen,  B.  1788,  married  Mr.  Patiinson.  whose  son  Richard 
was  a  British  officer,  afterwards  appointed  Governor  of  Heli- 
goland. 

5.  Archange,  married  Mr.  Mereditli. 

6.  Alexander,  died  unmarried. 

7.  James,  afterwards  Col.  Askin,  of  the  British  Militia.  He 
married  Francoise  Navarre  Gode  Marentette.  He  was  Register  of 
Deeds  of  Essex  County,  an  otfice  which  has  been  held  by  his  son 
and  grandson.     The  children  of  this  marriage  are: 

John,  married,  1st,  Monique  Navarre,  daughter  of  Col.  Fran- 
cois Navarre,  of  Monroe;  2d.  Melinda  McCroskey,  daughter  of 
James  and  Susanne  Godfroy. 

AucHANQE,  married  Henry  Ronalds,  of  England,  whose  only 
child,  Lucy,  married  George  Harris,  of  London,  Canada. 

James,  settled  in  Australia. 

Therese. 

Alice. 

18 


III 


274 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


it 

i 


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■I  '  ' 


Cfiarles,  was  killed  by  a  sentinel  during  the  Patriot  War. 
Ellen. 

Jane,    married,  1st.  Daniel  Muaray,  of  Toronto;  2d.  Edward 
Skae. 
3.  Catherine  Barthe,  B.  1750,  died  young. 

3.  Jean  Baptiste,  B.  175;},  married  Genevieve  Cuillerier  de 
Beaubien.  a  niece  of  Piquote  do  Bellestre.  He  left  several  chil- 
dren. One  of  his  daughters,  Therfise,  married  Hubert  Villier, 
dit  St.  Louis. 

4.  Bonaventure,  B.  1756. 

5.  Charles  Andz-e,  died  young. 

6.  Louis  Theophile,  B.  17fiO,  married,  2nd  time.  1802.  Made- 
leine Des  Ruisseaux  de  Belcour,  daughter  of  Fran9oi8  and  Made- 
leine Adhemar  de  Lusignan. 

7.  Theri^se,  B.  1758,  married  Commodore  Alexander  Grant. 
PiEiiRE  Bakthe,  a  younger  brother  of  Charles,  followed  him 

later  to  Fort  Pontchaftrain,  and  was  associated  with  him  in  his 
extensive  trade  at  Mackinaw  and  with  the  Miamis.  In  1760 
Pierre  married  Charlotte  Chapoton.  daughter  of  Dr.  Jean  Cba- 
poton.  surgeon  in  the  French  army.  Their  daughter,  Ciiar- 
liOTTE,  B,  1763,  was  the  only  survivor  of  four  children.  She 
married,  in  1780,  Lt.  Louis  Iteaume,  of  the  British  army,  who 
left  her  a  young  widow  within  the  year.  In  l'J84  she  became  the 
second  wife  of  Antoine  Louis  Descomptes  Labadie,  surnamed 
"Badichon,"  and  became  the  grandmother  of  Mrs.  R.  8.  Willis, 
Mrs.  Giesse,  Mrs.  Alexander  Chapoton,  Sr.,  the  LagrJives,  of  St. 
Louis,  Mo. 

Commodore  Alexander  Grant  married,  in  1774,  Ther^se,  daugh- 
ter of  Charles  Barthe,  and  Marie  Thertise  Campeau  was  of  the 
clan  of  Grants  of  Glenmoriston,  Scotland.  He  entered  the  navy 
at  an  early  age,  but  resigned  in  1757  to  join  a  Highland  regiment 
raised  for  the  army  of  General  Amherst  in  America.  In  1759  he 
reached  Lake  Champlain.  Gen.  Amherst  desiring  able  officers 
for  his  fleet  on  the  lake,  commissioned  Lieut.  Grant  to  the  com- 
mand o:  a  sloop  of  sixteen  gims.  After  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
Grant  was  ordered  to  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario.  Detroit  was  then 
an  English  garrison,  and  it  was  here  he  met  his  fate  in  Theriise 
Barthe.  He  built  his  castle  as  it  was  called  at  Grosse  Pointe.  (Its 
site  is  at  present  occupied  by  Mr.  T.  P.  Hall's  summer  residence, 
"Tonnancour.")  It  was  a  noted  place  for  the  courtesy  of  its 
host  and  his  open,  generous  hospitality.  Tecumseh  and  his 
warriors  were  frequent  guests  at  the  Grant  castle.  The  Commo- 
dore belonged  to  the  executive  council  in  1805  of  Upper  Canada. 
In  a  letter  to  his  brother  Alpine,  dated  from  York  (Toronto),  July 
5,  1811,  he  says:  "My  duty  where  my  naval  command  requires 
me  is  such  a  distance  from  tiere  that  I  cannot  travel  in  the  winter 
when  the  Legislature  meets,  but  I  come  down  at  my  ease  in  the 


-h 


* 


''1^  y 


Early  French  Families. 


275 


fiummor  and  take  some  sittings  in  tlie  oonncil.  A  gentleman  who 
has  served  his  country  upwards  of  flftyfive  years  reciulres  some 
indulgence,  and  my  superiors  allow  it  to  me."  He  was  a  man  of 
commanding  presence,  a  great  favorite  and  a  good  otHccr.  He 
had  ten  daughters,  who  are  to-day  represented  by  the  English- 
Canadian  families  of  Wrights,  Robinsons,  Dicksons,  Woods, 
DufiEs,  Gilkersons,  Millers,  Jacobs  and  llichardsons.  Mr.  Jasper 
GUlkerson,  of  Brantford,  whom  the  author  had  the  pleasure  of 
meeting,  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Indians  in  Canada  for  many 
years.  So  faithful  has  he  been  to  his  charge,  that  any  promise 
made  to  the  Indians  by  him  has  always  been  kept  by  the  govern- 
ment. A  worthy  representative  of  his  grandfather.  Commodore 
Orant,  who  when  admistrator,  with  the  power  of  giving  free 
grants  of  land,  never  granted  any  to  his  family  or  their  connec- 
tions.    Commodore  Grant  died  at  Grosse  Pointe  in  1813. 


BEAUFAIT. 


In  1798,  Sargeant  Acting  Governor  of  the  North  West  Territory, 
formed  the  new  County  of  Wayne.  Its  boundaries  extended 
from  the  Cayuga  river  on  the  west,  to  the  dividing  line  now  exist- 
ing between  Indiana  and  Illinois,  on  the  north  to  the  national 
boundary  line,  including  all  of  the  subsequent  territory  of  Michi- 
gan, and  a  portion  of  Ohio  and  Indiana.  The  Courts  of  Com- 
mon Pleas  for  Wayne  coimty  were  organized,  an'l  the  Judges 
chosen  to  preside  over  them  were  business  men,  upright,  honest, 
and  intelligent.  Louis  Beuufait  was  the  tirst  Senior  Justice.  He 
came  directly  from  France,  was  the  son  of  Luc  and  Gabriellc 
Sourceau.  parish  of  St.  Martin,  diocese  de  la  Rochelle.  In  1766  he 
married  Ther^sede  Mersac,  d.  (*f  Francois,  and  Ther^se  Campeau. 
Their  children  were  :  Thomas,  B.  1768;  Makie  Iuene,  B.  1770, 
married  Jean  Bapte  liivard,  son  of  J.  Bapte  and  Catheiine  Hiax; 
Louis,  B.  1773,  afterwards  Col.  Beaufait.  He  lived  on  the  old 
Beaufait  farm,  (to-day  known  as  the  Bagg).  There  the  cele- 
brated Chippewa  warrior  Kishkaukou  came  to  encamp  after  the 
murder  of  Judge  Rielly's  clerk.  He  was  made  a  prisoner  and 
would  have  paid  the  penalty  of  his  crime  on  the  gallows,  had  he 
not  poisoneil  himself  on  the  eve  of  the  execution.  Pie  married, 
1804,  Louise  Saussier,  A  son  of  Col.  Beaufait,  Louis,  married, 
1835,  Catherine  Peltier,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Martha  Cecile 
Chapoton ;  Elizabeth,  B.  1778. 


CAMPEAU. 


This  family  still  retains  in  the   "City  of  the  Straits"  the  same 
•estige  it  held  in  the  early  days  of  the  colony.     So  numerous 


prestig 


Wf% 


I 


Lii 


4 


276 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


were  its  branches  that  there  is  scarcely  now  a  family  of  French 
descent  in  Detroit,  wliicli  does  not  claim  u  t'ampeau  among  its 
ancestors.     Tlie  first  of  the  name  who  came  to  Canada  was: 

Eticni.e,  who  married  in  IGGI},  at  INIontreal,  Catherine  Paulo. 
Their  children  W(!r(!: 

1.  Elienue,  b.  1004,  mar.  1090  Jeanne  Fouche;  2.  Midul,  1). 
1007.  mar.  101)0  Jeanne  jMa.sse;  8.  Francois,  b.  1071,  mar.  1(;!>» 
Madeleine  Bros.sard;  4.  JacciucH,  b.  1077.  mar.  lOUS)  ('ecile  Caliii, 
d.  17r)l:  5.  Jean  Haptiste,  b.  1081;  0.  Agalhe,  b.  1085.  mar.  1701 
Paul  Chevalier;  7.  Catherine,  b.  1009,  mar.,  1085,  Francois  Hlot. 

Michel  and  Jacques  came  and  settled  in  Detroit  about  1710, 
and  are  the  ancestors  of  all  the  numerous  branches  of  the  name  in 
Detroit,  Monroe,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  and  Chica<50,  111. 

El.DEST  BlUNCII. 

Michel  and  Jean  Do  Merles,  were  the  pioneer  merchants 
of  Detroit,     lie  mar.  1(»98,  Jeanne  ]Mas.se.     Their  children  were: 

1.  Marianne,  mar.  1734.  Pierre  IJelleperche,  son  of  Pierre  and 
Gertrude  Du-IJuisson  Guyon,  a  near  relative  of  Cadillac's  wife. 

2.  Antoine,  mar,  1736,  M.  Angelique  Peltier.  lb;  died  in  1759 
leaving  the  following  children  :  1.  Alexis,  b.  1737,  mar.  1703, 
Madeleine  Du  Muy.  His  children  were  Antoine,  Marie  Made- 
leine, Tlierese,  b.  1770.  Alexis,  b.  1778;  2.  Josette.  b.  1738.  mar. 
1753.  Guillaume  St.  Bernard;  3.  Catherine,  b.  1742;  4.  Charles, 
b.  1740,  mar.  1772,  M.  Louise  Borde  St.  Saurin.  His  son.  Chas., 
b.  1773;  5.  Antoine,  b.  1754;  6.  Therese,  b.  1749,  mar.  1706,  Am- 
broise  Hiopelle, 

3.  Marguerite^. 

4.  Paul  Alexis,  mar.  1742,  M.  Charlotte  Pineau,  whose  chil- 
dren were:  1.  Charlotte,  b,  1744,  mar.,  1702,  Jos.  Drouiu;  2. 
Paul,  b.  1746;  3.  Francois,  b.  1749;  4.  Catherine,  b.  1751. 

5.  Micliel,  mar.  1740,  Marie  Josette  Buteau,  whose  children 
■were:     1.  Marie  Josette,  b.  1745;  2.  Charles,  b.  1749;  3.  Michel. 

6.  Charles,  mar.,  1751,  Cath.  Casse  St.  Aubin.  He  mar.,  1754, 
Charlotte  Montrais;  his  children  were  :  1.  Charlotte,  b.  1757, 
mar.,  1772,  Toussaint  Grencm;  2.  Charles,  b.  1760;  3.  Rosalie,  b. 
1761;  4.  Bridgitte,  mar.  1772,  Rene  Tivierge. 

CADET   BRANCH. 

Jacques,  brother  of  Michel,  (held  the  position  of  armorer)  mar., 
1699,  Cecilc  Catin.     They  had  the  following  children  : 

1.  J.  Louis,  b.  1702,  mar.,  1725,  Marie  Louise  Robert. 

2.  Henri,  b.  1704. 

3.  Marianne,  mar.,  1732,  Joseph  Douaire  de  Bondy,  son  of 
Jacques  and  Madeleine  Gatineau  Duplessis. 

4.  Nicolas  (Niagara)  b.  1707,  mar.,  1733,  Agathe  Casse  St. 
Aubin.    He  died  in  l?o6,  leaving  the  following  children :    Agathe, 


Early  French  Families. 


277 


mar., 1758,  Alexis  Secjuin  Ladcroiitc;  Marianno,  mar.,  1763,  Alexis 
Bienvenu  Delislc;  Ang(;]i(jue,  mar.,  1759,  Anloine  Louis  Dcs- 
comptes  Labadic  (Badicliou);  Cecile,  mar.,  1784,  Pierre  Chesne 
St.  Onije. 

5.  Jean  Rapte.,  b.  1710,  mar.,  1737,  Cath.  Porthiiis,  d.  of 
Pierre  and  Cath.  Mallet,  of  Montreal,  whose  children  were:  Jean 
Bapte  (Piniche).  mar..  1764,  Cath.  Boyer;  Hvpolite,  mar.,  1708, 
Ani;eli(|ue  Cardonet;  Julien,  b.  1755;  Josepli,  b.  ,  Louis; 
Francois,  mar.,  1805.  Susanne  Morand. 

6.  CUaude.  mar.,  1743,  Catherine  Cassc  St.  Aubin. 

1.  J.  Louis,  the  eldest  son  of  Jacques  and  Cecile  Catin,  mar.,  in 
1735,  Marie  Louise  Robert.  The  followinjo:  children  blessed  the 
union:  1.  Marie  ThC'rtYse,  b.  1737,  mar.,  1747,  Chas.  Andre  Barthe, 
and  is  the  ancestress  of  the  families  of  Askin,  Grant,  etc. ;  8. 
Francois;  3.  Jacques,  b.  1735.  mar.,  1760  Cath.  Menard,  in  1784, 
Francoi.se  Navarre,  widow  of  Lt.  Geo.  McDougall,  of  the  British 
Army;  4.  Simon,  b.  1739,  mar.,  1764,  Cath.  Boyer.  His  children 
were:  Henri,  b.  1773;  Simon  Chas.,  b.  1769,  mar.  JosetteGamelin; 
Archange,  b.  1766.  5.  Jean  Bapte.,  b.  1743.  mar. .  1767,  Genev^ivo 
Oode  de  Marentette,  whose  children  were:  1.  Ti)erf'se,  b.  1769;  3. 
Alexis. b.  1771,  mar.,  1795.  Agathe Chesne.  A datighter  Thc'r^se (of 
Alexis)  mar.,  1«36,  Philippe  Cliabert  de  Joncaire,  son  of  the 
Chevalier  Francois  Chabert  and  Josette  Chesne;  3.  Genevieve, 
b.  1767,  mar..  1793.  Gabriel  Chesne. 

Jacques,  3d  child  of  Jacques  and  Cecile  Catin,  mar.,  1760, 
Catherine  Menard.  He  was  one  of  the  1st  Captains  of  Militia, 
Jind  his  services  are  frequently  mentioned,  with  high  praise  in 
the  early  annals  of  Detroit.  There  is  a  tradition  that  Jacques' 
grandfather  was  La  Mothe  Cadillac's  Secretary  for  a  while.  If 
handwriting  were  any  recommendation.  Cadillac's  choice  was  a 
fortunate  one.  for,  as  a  family,  their  chirography  is  peculiarly 
noticeable  for  its  beauty  and  distinctness.  Jacques  possessed  much 
property,  which  is  still  in  the  family,  and  with  the  rapid  growth 
of  the  city,  has  become  immensely  valuable.  In  1784  he  mar. 
Francoise  Navarre,  d.  of  the  Sub-Intendaiit,  and  the  widow  of 
tlie  gallant  officer.  George  McDougall.  By  his  second  wife  he 
had  no  heirs,  but  by  his  first,  several;  among  others  the  following 
ones: 

1.  J.\CQUKs,  b.  1763.  mai'.,  1789,  Susanne CiuillericrdeBeaubien. 
d.  of  Jean  Bapte.  and  ]\Iarianne  Lothmande  Barroi-s.  They  had 
two  children:  Sophie,  mar.  James  Dubois:  Jacques  (Binette), 
mar.,  1819,  Josette  Chesne;  2.  Angelique.  b.  1764. 

3.  Cecile,  b.  1765,  mar.,  1781,  Judge  Thom.is  Williams,  whose 
children  were:  Elizabeth,  who  so  nobly  consecrated  her  life  to 
the  education  of  youth  as  early  as  1808;  Catherine,  b.  1784,  mar. 
1809.  Jean  Bapte  Pelletier;  John  R.  (Genl.)  b.  1766,  mar.  Miss 
Mott,  and  his  descendants  are  all  well  known  in  Detroit. 


II 


J 


i    t 


■',-1' 


278 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


4.  .TosKPir,  1).  1769,  mar.,  1808,  Adelaide  Do  Quindre;  5. 
Bnrnabe.  b.  1770,  ir.ur.  Ist.  Tliertisc  Cicottc,  2nd,  18  ,  Aielj- 
anj^e  McDotiifulI;  Louis  {\,o\\\-m\\),  b.  1707,  mar.,  1789.  Thense 
Morand.  His  children  settletl  in  Grand  Hapids,  Midi.  .Mrs. 
Cotrell;  Mrs.  Villers  dit  St.  Louis;  George  mar.  Mile.  Riviird; 
Antoine  mar.  Mile.  Cotrell;  Toussaint  mar.  Mile.  Mer8ac;Loui8on- 
ctle  mar.  Sophie;  de  Mcinsac. 

.TosKPir,  b.  Feb.  25,  1709,  died  in  1800,  was  for  many  jVcvs  one  of 
the  central  figures  in  the  history  of  Detroit.  He  inherited  some  of 
his  property,  but  by  untiring  industry,  careful  management,  judcd 
by  thcra])id  increase  and  prosperity  of  the  city  encircling  him  on 
all  sides,  he  was  able  to  leave  to  his  heirs  one  of  the  most  valuable 
estates  in  the  North  West.  lie  mar.  in  1808,  Adelaide,  d.  of 
Antoine  Daigneaux  Douville  De  Quindre  and  Catherine  dcs 
Rivit^res  de  la  Morandiere.  He  had  a  large  family,  viz. :  1.  Joseph, 
died  unmarried. 

2.  Daniel,  mar.  Marie  Palms,  d.  of  Ange  Palms,  of  Antwerp, 
and  Jeanette  Catherine  PeCters.  Ange  had  been  Quarter- 
master of  one  of  the  divisions  of  Napoleon's  Army,  at  Water- 
loo, By  his  successful  efforts  to  save  the  ammunition  at  that 
disastrous  battle,  he  was  made  by  Napoleon,  on  the  field,  a 
Chevalier  de  la  Legion  d'Honor.  During  the  stormy  period  of 
the  dethronement  of  Charles  X.,  and  tlie  elevation  of  Louis 
Phillippe,  the  Citizen  King,  Mr.  Palms  was  obliged  to  leave 
Belgium.  He  remained  two  years  at  Mayence,  in  Germany.  lie 
was  an  ardent  admirer  of  Chateaulriarid,  and  his  description  of 
America,  with  its  grand  primeval  forests,  its  wonderful  Niagara, 
roused  his  desire  to  travel  through  the  country  which  had  won 
such  enthusiastic  praise  from  France's  most  gifted  son.  Mr. 
Palms  brought  letters  of  introduction  from  his  intimate  and  per- 
sonal friend,  the  Prince  de  Li(^ge,  Archbishop  of  Malmes,  to 
Bisliop  Dubois,  of  New  Orleans,  La.,  also  a  letter  to  President 
Van  Buren,  who  introduced  the  Belgian  exile  to  New  York's 
most  cultured  society,  to  the  Van  Ransselars,  Minturns,  Roose- 
velt^, etc.,  where  he  was  a  welcome  guest.  On  his  travels  he  had 
proceeded  as  far  as  Detroit,  where,  Aug.  20,  1833,  liis  wife  died 
of  cholera.  Thus  a  new  land  became  her  tomb,  and  the  cradle 
of  the  race  on  American  soil.  He  abandoned  all  thought  of 
returning  to  Belgium,  for  he  had  given  to  America  his  most 
sacred  deposit.  Ange  Palms'  parents  were:  Francois  and  Marie 
Ro.senboeck,  Jeanette  PeCters  his  wife's  parents  were:  Pierre  and 
Jeanne  Catherine  Tumen,  of  Malines,  Belgium.  Ange  had  several 
brothers  and  sisters:  1.  Francois,  a  distinguished  priest,  noted 
for  his  scholarly  attainments;  2.  Fran^oise;  3.  Jerome,  a  wealthy 
banker  of  Antwerp;  4.  Bapliste;  5.  Marie  Anne,  mar.  William  Van 
Dick;  6..Elise,  mar.  Mr.  Calhouy.  Ange's  children  settled  in  Detroit 


I<1 


Early  French  Families. 


279 


and  in  New  Orleans,  La.;  thoy  were:  1.  Jean  Pierre;  2.  Francois, 
mar.  at  Detroit,  Ciitherine  Dcs  Rivitires,  d.  of  Josepli  Canipaij  and 
Atieiaide  de  Quindre,  wlio  died  in  1880,  leaving  one  daughter, 
Clolilde.  By  a  lornier  marriage  Francois  had  one  son,  FiiANCOia, 
who  resides  at  present  at  Detroit,  and  who  had  married,  in  New 
Orleans,  Mile.  Pellcrin,  a  descendant  of  the  Acadian  family  of 
that  name;  3.  Tlierese,  niarried  ^Vm.  Wilder,  of  Uochestcr,  N. 
Y. ;  4.  3Iarie  Francoise,  married  Danl.  J.  Campeau,  son  of  Joseph, 
whose  children  are  well  known  in  Detroit.  Danl.  J.  is  a  lawyer. 
Louis  Palms;  and  Adele,  wife  of  Wni.  G.  Thompson.  Ange  and 
Louis  Palms  married  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  and  both  reside  there, 
ii.  Lkil.  'ami'eau  married  Mr.  Johnston,  of  Grand  liapids, 
Michigan. 

4.  Catherine  Des  Rivic^res  married  Francois  Palms.  She  died 
in  1880,  leaving  one  daughter. 

5.  I)eni8  died  unmarried  in  1878. 

6.  Jacques  married  Alice  Edwards,  daughter  of  Major  Ed- 
wards, U.  S.  A.,  and  Miss  Hunt,  and  left  three  sons. 

7.  Emime  married  Lewis. 

8.  Matilde  married  Eustache  Chapoton,  son  of  Eustache  and 
Adelaide  Julie  Serat  dit  Coquillard  ;  one  heir  survives. 

9.  Theodore  married  and  left  no  heirs. 

10.  Timothy  Alexander  married,  and  resides  at  Detroit. 

Barnabe  married  1808,  Theri^se  Cicotte,  daughter  of  Jean  Bapte 
and  Angelique  Poupart  Laboise.  He  was  called  L'Abbie  from 
the  termination  of  his  name.  Two  girls  were  the  result  of  this 
union. 

Emilie,   died  unmarried  at  Washington,  in  1880. 

ANOELrquE  married  1836,  Jean  B.  Piquette,  son  of  Jean  Bapte 
and  Eleonore  Deseomptes  Labadie.  The  Piquette  family  was  origi- 
nally from  Picardie,  and  the  name  is  frequently  seen  in  the 
"  Amorial  General  of  France."  The  first  in  this  country,  was  Eus- 
tache, who  married  1680,  Jeanne  Boucher.  His  son  Joseph: 
married  1706,  Marie  Ther^se  Merienne,  daughter  of  Jean  Meri- 
enne  de  Lasolavye.  who  was  godfather  in  1685  for  Marienne, 
daughter  of  M  de  Brissay,  Marquis  de  Denonville,  Governor 
of  Canada.  Francois  Eustache.  born  1734,  married  Charlotte 
Gaudry.  Joseph,  born  1753,  married  1776,  Marguerite  Kenaud. 
Jean  Bapte  married  1808,  Eleonore  Deseomptes  Labadie.  To 
i,nis  family  belongs  the  celebrated  Sulpician  Francois  Picquet, 
who,  in  order  to  attach  the  Iroquois  confederacy  to  the  French, 
founded  a  mission  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie  in  1748.  He 
erected  a  substantial  stone  building  and  placed  this  inscription  on 
the  corner  stone.  "Francois  Picquet  laid  the  foundation  of  this 
building  in  the  name  of  the  Almighty  God,  in  1749."  This 
inscribed  corner  stone  occupies  a  conspicious  position  in  the  State 
Armory,  erected  at  Ogdensburg  in  1858. 


lii 


III         f  in 


!■■      ' 


M-i    ' 


Li  ;.ii^  ■  ;iJE 


280 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


The  children  of  Jean  and  Angelique  Campeau  were  :  John, 
died  unmarried;  Elise,  married" first  in  1870,  Ombsy  Mitcliell, 
U.  8.  A.,  son  of  tlie  distinguislicd  astronomer  and  soldier,  Gen. 
Mitchell ;  second,  1880,  James  Hoban  of  Washington  ;  Chakles 
married  1876,  Fanny  Ellston  Perley.  by  whom  he  had  two  cliil- 
dren.  He  died  in  Paris,  France,  in  1870  ;  Emilie  married  1876, 
Francis  Preston  Blair  Sands,  a  prominent  lawyer  of  Washington, 
D.  C,  son  of  Hear  Admiral  Sands,  U.  S.  N. 

In  1821,  Baunabe  married  a  second  time,  Archangc  McDougall, 
daughter  of  Jean  and  Archange  Campeau.  The  McDougalls 
were  a  prominent  family  of  Scottish  origin.  The  first  who  came 
to  Detroit  was  Lieutenant  George  McDougall,  a  British  ofiicer 
who  accompanied  IMajor  Campbell  to  Pontiac's  camp  at  Bloody 
Run,  in  1763  to  attempt  to  negotiate  with  the  wily  chief.  He 
treacherou>>ly  kept  them  as  hostages.  Fortunately  Lientenant 
McDougall  escaped.  He  married  1765,  Franco'ise  Navarre, 
daughter  of  Robert,  the  Sublntendant  and  Royal  Notary,  and 
Marie  Louise  Lothman  de  Barrois.  After  his  death  she  married, 
in  1784  Jacques  Campeau,  father  of  Joseph  andBarnabe,  by  whom 
she  had  no  children,  but  left  the  following  by  Lieutenant  George 
McDougall  :  Jean  R.,  born  1766  ;  George  ;  John  Robert,  tiie 
eldest,  married,  1786,  Archange  Campeau,  daughter  of  Simon  and 
Veromique  Blondcau,  Avhose  children  were  :  George,  born  1706 ; 
Robert,  born  1789  ;  Catiierini-:.  born  1797. 

Archange,  who  married,  1820,  Barnabe  Campeau.  The 
McDougalls  acquired  considerable  property,  and  among  their 
land  grants  was  Belle  Isle  to  Lieutenant  George  McDougall, 
at  the  same  time  that  Grosse  Isle  was  granted  to  his  brother-in- 
law,  Alexander  MacomI), 

Barnabe  had  two  sons  by  his  second  wife  :  Barnabe  Jr. ;  Alkx- 
ANDER  Macomb.  Barnabe,  Jr.,  married  Alexandrine  Sheldon, 
daughter  of  Thomas  Sheldon  and  Eleonore  Descomptes  Labadie. 
Two  sons  were  the  fruit  of  this  union :  Thomas  Sheldon  ;  Dr. 
Albert  Campeau. 

Alexander  Macomb,  married,  1843,  Eli/-a  Throop  of  New 
York,  a  member  of  tliat  family  so  well  and  favorably  known  in 
the  political  world.  He  had  a  large  family  who  fully  justified 
the  traditional  beauty  of  the  Navarres  ;  George  Bliss  married 
Minnie,  daughter  of  Commodore  Woolsey.  U.  S.  N.  He  died 
in  the  flower  of  youth,  leaving  four  children,  Alexander  is 
unmarried. 

Barnabe  married  Alice,  daughter  of  Admiral  Stevens,  U.  S. 
N. ;  Emilie  married  Lieutenant  Fitch,  U.  S.  N. ;  Montgo.m- 
ERY  died  unmarried  ;  Frances  married  Frederic  Sibley,  a  rising 
lawyer  and  worthy  scion  of  the  distinguished  name  he  bears ; 
McDougall  married  Miss  Batcheler  of  Pittsburg  and  is  actively 


Early  French  Familist. 


sn 


intercstwl  in  "wime  of  tho  new  manufacturing  interests  which 
baa  placed  Detroit  in  the  foremost  ranlu  among  manufacturing 
*itie«. 


CHABEBT  DE  JONCAHLB. 


e   died 


Thi"*  n.imo'tlzures  conspicuously  in  thf*  annuU  of  Detroit,  espe- 
■cially  froin  tin-  tiriu-  of  tin-  Kt^L'■ll^h  concjuj'Ht.  In  F'rance  it  isstiU 
found  aiiKini:  the  nobility,  in  tlic  navy,  aii«l  on  the  tabietg  of  the 
Fn  tu  h  A(  iidetny.  Tii<»mas  waM  a  noldrman,  came  to  Canada  aa 
ati  ottitt-r.  liiiviiii:  ;»n  npiitudc  for  lHn;:u!igi'>«.  lie  soon  ma8tere<l  the 
Indian  diidi'cls  and  lH<am«'  royal  interpreter  for  the  five  nationa. 
He  inirrii'il  at  Montreal.  Mariruerite  LeGuav  of  liouen.  Their 
son  I>\NtKi..  Worn  1711.  was  a  Lieutenant  in  the  French  army,  and 
lat»T  su<  (tfdcil  to  lii>  fatli'Ts  position  of  interpn'ter.  He  married 
in  1T')1.  I'rsule  Mar-rueritt-  Kli/alwlh  de  la  Morandiere,  of  the 
di^ti',Mii*litd  l{o(  1m  rt  fainilv  of  Canada.  He  died  at  I)e;n>it,  in 
1770.  llin«'  year-  lat<r  he  wan  followed  to  the  ;jrave  by  his  wife, 
leaving'  M'vcral  cliiidrt'fi.  am>nL'  whom  were:  1.  Louis;  2. 
I'uiiii'PK.  inarri«d  \1*<\.  .ludilli  <iouin.  dauifhter  of  Claude 
Tti  111  l^  .ml  .l.tvit-'  CiiilliTUT  df  li '.mbien:  3.  ANdKtiquB 
Mar.'iicriti'.  ii.itnti'  froni  luT  iro<ln»other  Antrelicjue  Cicotte.  wife 
of  >!'(!(. r  <I  itinlin.  ^  IMiiliftpr  at  the  Iciptisui  of  his  dauufliter 
.IiiMiir.  -iL'ii*  himself  ChtViilitT  Francois  ChalxTt  de  Joncaire. 
was  a  iiiphew  of  Dani^i.  mhi  of  (iahriel,  Captain  of  Infantry,  and 
Marirueriff  l-'lcurv  Ar  '.a  (forireiidiere.  one  of  the  most  aristocratic 
and  powt  rfiil  Liinilii-s  ..f  C.iiiada  The  Clnv.ilier  was  a  mau  of 
pn  at  ahility  and  took  an  active  inten-st  in  proinotinir  the  growth 
of  the  citv  of  !>.'iroit.  Ilf.  with  Solomon  Sililry  and  Jacob  Via- 
gar.  n  pr.s«iit«il  Wayn*- ♦  ounly  in  the  L<':.'islative  A^M'mbly  of  the 
North  Wf-t  TirritorV  h'-Id  at  "Cincinnaii.  Ohio,  in  175*9,  at  which 


[f'tliT.tl 


Will 


lain 


Harr, 


>on 


w.i".  chost'ii  ilflc.r;ite  to  Conirre«w.     In 


ill.'  (  ii'vali'T  married   .lortic  Chrstie,  bv   whom  he  had 


1>" 

wvfT.il  I  liildr'ii    to  d 


IV  npn  siut.-i 


1  l.v  a  Itraiich  of  the  Loran^er 


family  ot  Dtio.t  and  MoimM  :  M  Cvtiikiunk.  lM>rn  17S3.  mar- 
ric»l  l*<os  Fraiicoi>  La  F^ntaiii'^  Francois,  born  17W4:  U«>8.\Lni, 
lM»rn  17*^J.  m  lined  I'^'i*'.  .loMpii  Lor;in;rer,  son  of  Clamie  and 
Mar::iierite  Munon-on.  j.arish  of  St  Aiiloinc,  t^u<l»e<'  ;  IIknri- 
K.ni:.  niarrieil  l**'^'*.  John  Norton  Hubble,  son  of  Isaac  and 
Kiiniee  Hilt.-ii  of  New  \i'\k.  I'liii  iitk  tn  irried  1H26.  Thert-ae 
C'atnpe.aij.  daiiL'hter  of  Alexis  and  Apithe  Chesne. 


'I 


rising 


CHAPOTON. 


The  inimt'rous  brancli<'«;  of  this  family  so  well  t\ju\  favorably 
known  in  Detroit  all  descended  from  Jkan,  son  of  Tendrez  and 


282 


legends  of  I^e  Dttroit. 


I: 


ili   '' 


II 

m 

I 


i 


U^i-.    1 


1  i  ^ 


i;  . 


J*SiiaiL 


D«'jirno  (""a»«Haiirnp.  ('azollr.  I)i(M'e'*<«  of  DnecM.  Lanquo<i(V.  He- 
WH>  H  surirt'on  in  the  Frt-nch  army  with  tlic  rank  ol  nmjor,  and 
WH.S  onitTDJ  t(»  Koit  P(it)t*-liurtrain  to  i(li<-vt'  K(»n'.sii«'r.  the  tirHt 
pliysi*  i:in  who  i  ami'  to  tlu*  pont  For  f(»rty  y«*ais  I)r  ('li.'i|>oton's 
«'i«*irant  uml  stcnoiyiH-  likf  >ii:ii!iturt'  is  artix«il  to  rvi-ry  dcaiU 
nolicr  in  tin'  coluiiv.  \\v  rclin-tl  from  tlir  army  several  y«'ars 
previous  to  the  Ktiirlisl)  coniiufst,  and  wttU'd  on  the  latxl  whicli  he 
had  reeeivetl  a»  a  LTrant.  He  (li«>«l  in  17«{'J.  In  17-M.  he  hail  mar- 
ri^nl  M  .riiuerite  Kstene  or  SteUre.  by  whom  he  had  twenty  chil- 
dren, only  seven  of  whom  nrrivitl  at  maturity; 

1    .Ikannk,  lM»rn  17:W,  nuirr'e*!  1749,  I'anl  de  Meuehel 
vV  M.vKiK('!.KMK\(  K,  Unw  \7M\,  married  1747,  I'ierre  Chesncdo 
St.  Onjre,  son  of  ('harle>*  un<l  Catherine  Sauvasrt'. 

8.  Madki.kink,  lK»rn  17;<y,  marri«Hl  KX,  (Jahrirl  ChriHtophe  Le 
Grand,  .surjreon  in  the  French  artny.  eldest  son  of  (iahriPl  Louiii 
Ix'  Grand,  Sieur  do  Sintre,  kniirht  of  the  royal  and  military  or- 
der of  St  I,oui8,  and  of  Anne  Heurictte  de  C'reuay,  parish  of 
It<Hh,  France 

4.  I.oiisKt  i.oTn.r>K,  Utrn  1741,  married  CW,  .Iao(jue«Godefroy 
de  MarlHPuf.     She  dietl  in  17ft'i,  h-avinp  one  child.  Gabrirl. 

5.  Chaki.ottk,  — I.ieut.  I)ul)uron  was  ^(xifather  and  Madame 
I)e  Nov«'lle  (te  Fleiirimont  pnlmother  — Ixirn  1742.  married  1780, 
Pierre  iiarlhe.  a  bntther  of  ('liarles.  the  ancestor  «)f  the  family  of 
Askins,  Hrush.-.  etc.  Her  dau^diter  (  harlotte,  born  176;i  married 
twice:  1st.  in  1780.  Lieut.  Louis  Heaume.  an  English  officer; 
2<1,  in  17M4,  Antoine  Louis  I>«'s<'om|)tes  Labadie  (Badi(hon), 
whos<'  descendants  are  Mrs.  Willis.  Mrs.  Gie».se,  Mrs.  Alexander 
ChajMfton,  Sr. ,  the  La^'raveH  of   St.  Louis,  etc. 

rt.  .FoHETiK,  l)orn  174H,  married  17^.  Aujrust  Chalioye,  of 
Mackinaw. 

7.  .Ikan  Baptist,  Ixtrn  1721  He  was  the  one  who  held  a  par- 
ley with  Poutiac  in  17t5;{,  In  1755  he  marri«*<l  Felice  ('«'<yre  by 
whom  Ik'  had  a  larire  family:  1,  .lean  Haptiste,  .Ir  ,  lH)rn  175M.  mar- 
rie<i  in  17ni  Theres*-  Pelletier  He  die«l  in  IWfi.  2  lU'noit.  \nnn 
17»51,  married  17mh,  Theiese  Melix  he,  :i.  Louis  Alexis,  born  1764, 
marrie<l  17Si.  (atherine  MiIih  he,  wIiom' dauirhter  (  atherine  nuir- 
rijnl  in  lHi>y  Major  Antoine  De  l^uindre;  4.  I  atherine  Aiiireli(iue, 
lK)rn  17rty.5  .lo^-tte.  born  1771 ,  6  IsaUlle.  lM)rn  1778;  7.  Nichrdjvs, 
\n^Tn  1770.  Kustache,  Iwirn  1792.  "^on  of  .Jean  Bjjptiste  an<l  Ther^se 
Pelh'lier.  inarrieil  l>^19by  Bishop  Fla>;et.  of  BanNlown.  Ky..  Ade- 
laide.Iulie  Serai  dit  (  «Mjuillart,dauj;hterof  Alexisand  CecilcTrem- 
blay.  Kusta<  lie  died  in  X'^Ti.  .Many  remember  him:  iie  wa^  an  ex- 
ceptionally liafi<ls<ime  man.  of  a  tine,  stately  pre^nce  and  courtly 
iiiai»ners  Tliit»ui:h  some  unfortunate  accident  his  father  lost  the 
laijre  prnjM'rty  which  had  Ix-en  irranttni  to  I>r  (hapoton.  Kus- 
tache by  ♦■nerv'y,  industry  and  untirintf  jMrseverance  acfpiired 
cunbiderable  wealth  which  he  left  tu  his  children,  but  what  they 


■ 


Early  French  Families. 


283- 


prized  more,  a  name  synonymous  with  honor  and  integrity.  His 
children  are  all  worthy  representatives  of  their  sire. 

1.  At.kx.\nder,  married  Felice  Sedilot  do  Montreuil,  dauj^hter 
of  St.  Luc  de  Montreuil  and  Isabelle  Descomptes  Labadie. 
Several  children  blessed  lln.s  union,  viz.:  1.  Alexander,  Ju., 
married  Marianne  Pelletier,  daughter  of  (Jharleaand  Eliza  (Jicotte; 
2.  ELiZATJFiTU,  married  Alex.  Vigor;  3.  Emilie,  married  Edward 
Bush;  4  .losEPUTNE,  married  Raymond  Baby,  of  that  well 
known  Canadian  family,  and  resides  at  Sarnia,  Canada;  5.  Ed- 
mund, one  of  the  rising  surgeons  of  Detroit,  nuu'ried  1883,  Mar- 
tha Sherland,  of  South  Bend,  Ind. ;  6.  Felice  is  unmarried. 

3.  Benoist,  married  Miss  Bour.  He  died  in  188U  and  left  no 
heirs. 

3.  EusTACiiE,  married  Matilda  Campau,  daughter  of  Joseph 
and  Adelaide  De  Quindre. 

4.  TiiEKESE,  married  Louis  St.  Aubin. 

5.  William,  married  Sarah  Connor. 

6.  Julie,  married  John  Cicotte. 

7.  Felice,  married  Capt.  Paxton. 

8.  Theodore  is  unmarried. 


CHESNE. 


e- 
fm- 

'X- 

ily 
:he 
US- 
red 


As  early  as  1717  the  name  of  Chesne  appears  on  the  records  of 
Ste.  Anne's,  and  one  is  attracted  by  the  beautiful  and  picturesque 
signature.  So  clear,  precise,  full  of  character  and  individuality. 
Pierre,  the  founder  of  the  race  on  the  soil  of  the  New  World, 
married,  in  1676,  at  Montreal,  Jeanne  Bailly,  of  a  family  of  con- 
siderable importance.  Two  of  his  sons,  Charles  and  Pierre,  came 
to  Detroit  as  early  as  1717,  and  are  the  ancestors  of  that  name  in 
Michigan.  They  were  active  and  enterprising  and  at  once  took, 
leading  positions  in  the  colony.  Charles  married,  in  1722, 
Catherine  Sauvage;  Pierre  married,  1728,  Madeleine  Roy,  in 
1736,  Louise  Lothman  de  Bariois,  a  sister  of  Marie  Lothman, 
wife  of  Robert  Navarre,  the  Sub  Intendant.  Pierre  was  called 
La  Butte,  though  St.  Onge  was  the  proper  title.  Mnny  of  his 
descendants  are  only  known  under  the  name  of  La  Butte.  He 
was  interpreter  for  a  number  of  years,  and  fulfilled  his  oflBce 
most  satisfactorily.  lie  had  many  children.  All  died  unmarried 
save  Pierre  Toussaint,  who  continued  this  branch.  Pierre, 
Sr.,  died  in  1774.  Agathe  married  Wm.  Sterling.  Chari-es 
and  Catherine  Siuivage  had  ten  children:  1.  Catherine,  B.  1722, 
married  Pierre  Testard  de  Fortville,  cousin  of  the  Chevalier 
Testard  de  Montigny;  2.  Pierre,  B.  1724,  married  1747,  Clem- 
ence  Chapoton,  daughter  of  the  surgeon;  3.  Agathe,  B.  1727;  4. 
Bonaventure,  B.  1731;  5.  Charles,  B.  1732,  was  also  an  able  in- 
terpreter.    He  married,  1754,  Josette  Descomptes  Labadie,  daugh- 


: 


i    i  I 


hi  'J\ 


ll.i 


k  ' ! 

!t,i    :  '.. 

:i  !    ■  I' 

|li   ;    't  I; 

I ;; 

lli  f 


l_J 


Ui\' 


mil 


,1 

•'i 


^84 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


ter  of  Pierre  and  Angelique  de  Lacelle;  6.  Leopold,  B.  1734;  7. 
Isidore,  B.  1737,  married  1758,  Tlierese  Bequet;  8.  Antoine,  B. 
1742.  Isidore  was  noted  for  his  great  bravery,  and  figures  con- 
ispieuously  in  tlie  military  annals.  To  liim  was  deeded  a  tract  of 
land  by  the  Pottawntomie  at  the  same  time  as  the  one  to  liobi>^he 
Navarre  The  grant  to  Isidore  was  confirmed  by  Lieut.  Gov. 
Hamilton  in  1777.  Ke  married  Therese  Bequet.  In  1780  his 
daught -r  Josetie  marri<?d  the  Chevalier  Francois  Chabert  de 
Joncaiie.  Charles,  son  of  Charles  and  Catherine  Sauvage,  mar- 
ried Josette  Descomptes  La'Mdie  and  was  blessed  with  several 
children,  viz. :  1.  Pierre,  married  1784,  Cecile  Campeau,  daugh- 
ter of  Nicholas  (Niagara);  3.  CiiAUiiKS,  B.  1758;  8.  Catiikrine, 
B.  J 763,  married  Fontenayde  Qui ndre;  4.  Agatha,  married  1795, 
Alexis  ("ampeau;  5.  G.ibri(?l,  B.  1773,  married  1793,  Genevit^-ve 
Campeau.  Gabriel  (dit  Caousa),  son  of  Charles  and  Josette  Laba- 
die,  married  Genevieve  Campeau,  daughter  of  Jean  Baptiste  and 
Genevieve  Gode.  Their  chddren  were:  Gabriel,  B.  1796,  mar- 
ried Oct.  23,  1821.  1st.  Cecile  Seguin  Laderoute.  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Archange  Campejui,  whose  children  by  this  marriage 
were:  Emilie,  married  Gagnion;  Charles,  married  1st.  Eliza 
Parent,  2d.  Catherine  Baby;  ISIathew,  married  Agnes  Parent; 
Joseph,  died  in  infancy;  Alexander,  died  in  infanc.v;  Elizabeth, 
married  Edmund  Baby;  Isidore,  married  JNLiry  Martin;  Pierre, 
married  Sarah  Le^NIay;  William,  married  Miss  Bird,  of  New 
York;  Gabriel,  married  a  second  time,  Mile.  Campuu,  widow  of 
Antoine  Parent.  His  children  by  this  marriage  were:  Maiue, 
•died  young;  Gabriel,  marrie  I  Antoinette  Barien;  Alexander, 
married  Miss  Barien;  Felice;  Rosalie,  married  Mr.  Charesl; 
Josette,  sister  of  Gabriel,  married,  1819.  Jacque.s  Campeau, 
flon  of  Jacques  and  Susanne  Beaubien ;  Genevit^re,  B.  1800. 

CICOTTE. 


Cicot  or  Chiquot  as  it  was  sometimes  written,  is  found  in  the 
early  pages  of  th"  registry  of  Fort  Ponchartrain.  TIk;  foutider  of 
this  family  in  America  was  Jean,  born  1631,  son  of  Guillaume 
and  Jeanne  Farfart,  de  Bolu.  Diocese  of  Rochelle.  He  married  at 
Montreal  1602,  ^[arguerite  j\[iiclin;  thechildren  were:  CATiiEHr>fE, 
born  16(i3;  Jean  born  16()6.  Catherine  married  16 79,  Joseph  Huet  of 
Boucherville,  whose  mother  a  Jacquelien,  belonged  to  the  family  of 
the  celebrated  de  la  Rochejacquelien  tlie  Vendean  chief.  The 
Amblers,  Jacqueliens  and  other  Virginia  families  claim  descent 
from  the  Huguenot  branch  which  passed  into  England,  thence  to 
Virginia. 

Jean  married  1679,  Catherine  Lamourieux;  Zaciiakie  their  son 
born  in  1708,  married  iu  1736  Angelique  Godefroy  de  Marboeuf. 


Early  French  Families. 


285- 


He  had  come  to  Fort  Ponchartrain  in  1730  aa  a  merchant.  The 
quantity  of  liandsome  plate  possessed  by  this  family  has  freqxiently 
been  mentioned;  nitli  Jiie  exception  of  Miss  St.  Martin  (afterwards 
the  wife  of  Ansxus  Melntosli)  there  w-as  no  such  complete  collec- 
tion of  silver  in  the  colony.  The  fate  of  war.  pillasre  by  the 
Indians,  extravai^ant  livin<r  and  reckless  trust  in  the  honor  of 
others,  soon  scattered  this  superb  ])roperly.  Some  few  remnants  are 
still  in  the  ])ossession  of  the  descendants.  Zafharie's  children  were: 
1.  An,<]^elique,  born  1741 ;  2.  C'athcrine,  born  1744;  8.  Ziicharie,  born 
1746;  4.  Jean  Baptiste,  born  1749,  manied  1770,  Angeli(]uePoup:irt 
Lavoise  "whose  marriage  contract  is  given  below;  it  is  dated  1770. 
By  the  Treaty  of  Paris  the  French  inhabitants  preserved  some  of 
their  privileges,  rights  and  ancient  customs.  It  is  selou  les  "Con- 
tumes  de  Paris." 

Jkan  Bapte,  had  fifteen  children,  thirteen  of  whom  lived  to 
maturity.  They  resided  upon  the  Cicotte  farm,  the  present  Peter 
Godefroy  farm,  which  was  confirmed  to  Angelique  Cicotte  (Jean 
Bapte's  widow)  by  the  U.  S.  Commissioners  in  1819.  The  children 
were: 

Angelique,  born  1771,  married  1767,  Medor  Gamelin  son  of 
Ignace  and  Louise  Dufros  de  la  Jemerais,  nephew  of  Madame 
D'Youville,  foundress  of  Les  Soeurs  Grises  (Grey  Nuns),  of  ^fon- 
treal  whose  life  has  been  so  charmingly  written  by  [j'Abbe  Faillon. 

Agatiie,  born  1778,  married  1790  Jacob  Visgar  one  of  the  re- 
presentatives with  Solomon  Sibley,  and  the  Chevalier  Chabert  de 
Joncaire  in  the  Legislative  assembly  at  Cincinnati  in  179.),  to 
elect  Genl.  (afterwards  president)  Harrison,  a  delegate  to  Congress. 
The  children  were;  Joseph,  married  Mile.  Godefroy,  daughter  of 
Col.  Gabriel  Godefroy;  Catherine,  married  1819,  Wiiittmoup: 
Knagos.  son  of  Wm.  and  Josette  I)es  Comptes  Lal)adie,  a  name 
well  known  in  the  history  of  Michigan;  Catiikrine  marri(>d  1797 
Antoine  O'Neale,  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  Susanne.  married  Jacques- 
Peltier;  Francois  X.  born  1787,  married  1819,  Felice  I'eltier 
widow  of  Capt.  P.  Tallman,  U.  S.  A. ;  Louis  married  1815.  Vero- 
nique  Cuillerier  de  Beaubien;  George,  born  1796;  Jean  Bapte. 
Jean  Bapte.  de  Celeron  was  his  godfather,  he  died  unmarried; 
TiiERESE  born  1790,  married  1808,  Barnabe  Campeau;  Marianne 
born  1791,  married  1809,  Chas.  Descomptes  Labadie,  son  of  Alexis 
and  Marie  Francoise  Robeit;  Zaciiarie  born  1775;  Joseph  mar- 
ried 1825.  Susanne  Drouillard. 

Francois  X.  born  1787,  married  1819,  Felice  Peletier,  the  widow 
of  Capt.  Peter  Tallman,  an  artillery  officer  in  the  U.S.A.  Francois 
was  commissioned  as  a  Capt.  by  Genl.  Hull  in  1812.  His  small 
company  mostly  composed  of  men  innured  to  the  foils,  dangers.and 
privations  of  frontier  life,  were  noted  for  their  discipline  and  un- 
daunted bravery.  After  the  defeat  of  Winchester  at  Monroe,  an 
Indian  chief  brought  a  Dr.  Brown,  aKentuckian,  to  Mr.  Francois- 


286 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


> 


Cicotte  to  sell  as  his  prize.  The  Indian  wanted  $100  for  the 
ransom  of  his  captive,  which  was  paid  to  him.  Dr.  Brown 
afterwards  visited  his  deliverer  when  he  came  a,<?ain  to  Detroit 
with  Genl.  Harrison's  army.  Francois  died  in  18()0.  He  wu"  a 
fine  specimen  of  the  earlv  Frenchman,  possessing  tliat  rare  charm 
of  manner  which  seemed  a  peculiar  legacy  to  these  descendants  of 
the  first  pioneers.     His  children  are  well  known  In  Detroit. 

1.  Edwaud  for  many  years  occupying  many  positions  of  public 
trust,  married  1st,  Miss  IJell  of  N.  Y.,  by  whom  he  hud  one  son, 
Geouok;  married  2nd  time  Lucretia  Abbott,  daughter  of  Robert 
And  Elizabeth  Audrain. 

2.  Francois  X.  married  1st,  Victoire  Beaubien,  daughter  of  Lam- 
bert and  Genevi(^ve  Campau,  by  whom  he  had  two  daughters: 
Victoire  married  Mr.  Bagg;  Philis  married  Mr.  Rankin  ;  both 
reside  in  Detroit.  He  married  a  second  time  Elizabeth 
•daughter  of  the  Patriot.  Theller,  by  whom  he  had  three  girls 
and  a  sou.  The  son  Francois  resides  in  California,  with  one 
of  his  sisters,  Mrs.Wm.  B.  Hunt ;  Emma  and  Annie  married  two 
brothers  and  reside  at  Detroit. 

3.  SusANNE  married  1831  Chas.  Beaubien  son  of  Lambert  and 
Genevieve  Campau.     Four  girls  and  one  son  were  the  fruit  of  this 

\inion.  4.  Eliza  Van  Meter  married  Chas.  Peltier,  son  of  Chas. ; 

5.  Catiieuine  married  Dr.  Allen  of  New  York;  6.  John  married 
Julie  Chapoton  daughter  of  Eustache.  He  left  one  son  and  one 
daughter:  Madaleine;  Askin  married  Mr.  Lawson. 

Marriage  contract  between  J.  B.  Cicotte  and  Angelique  Poupart: 

July  37,  1770. 
Before  Philip  De  Jean,  Royal  Notary,  by  act  of  law  residing  at 
Detroit,  were  present  Monsieur  Jesm  Baptiste  Cicotte,  merchant, 
•eldest  son  of  Zacharie  Cicotte,  also  merchant,  and  Madame  Ange- 
lique Godefroy  de  Marboeuf,  his  father  and  mother,  natives  of 
Detroit  of  tiie  one  part;  the  Sieur  Joseph  Poupart  La  Fleur,  also 
merchant,  and  the  Dame  Agathe  Reaume  residing  at  the  same 
place,  stipulating  for  the  Demoiselle  Angelique  Poupart,  their 
•daughter  accepting  and  of  her  own  consent  for  herself  and  in  her 
name  of  the  other  part.  The  said  parties  in  his  presence  and  by 
the  advice  and  councils  of  the  Sieurs  and  ladies,  tlieir  parents  having 
assembled  their  friends  as  follows:  on  the  part  of  the  Sieur  Jean  Bap- 
tiste Cicotte,  the  Sieur  Zacharie  Cicotte  and  the  Dame  Angelique 
Godefroy,  his  father  and  mother,  Pierre  Chesne  de  la  Butte,  Jean 
B.  Chapton,  Jacques  Godefroy  de  Marboeuf,  his  uncles;  Medor 
Gamelin,  his  brother-in-law,  Ignace  Boyer  and  Jacques  Gabriel, 
his  cousins;  the  dame  widow  Trotier  des  Ruisseaux,  his  aunt; 
Chas.  Rivard,  Antoine  Gamelin,  Alexis  Maisonville  and  Joseph 
Lamoureaux;  also  on  the  part  of  tlie  Demoiselle  Angelique 
Poupart  La  Fleur,  the  Sieur  Joseph    Poupart  and   the    Dame 


Early  French  Families. 


287 


Agathe  Reaiime,  her  father  and    mother,    Lt,    Gov.   John  Hay, 
lier  uncle,  Jean  PotSrpart,  her  grandfather,  Nicholas  do  Lacclle, 
Hyacinthe  Reaume,    lier    great    uncles;    Chas.    Reaume,    Pierre 
Barron.  Pierre  Descomptes,  LabaJ'o  Baptiste,  Joseph   Reaume, 
her  uncles;  DupSron   Baby,    hev  cousin.      Madames    Hay  and 
Earron.  her   lunts,  and  the  Sieur  Dr.  George  Anthon,  Madame 
Baby,  their    relatives   and    friends,  have  made  convention  and 
agreement  of  marriage  as  follows:  "That  the  Sieur  Jos.  Poupart 
and  Madame  Reaume  have  promised,  and  do  promise  to  give  the 
said  Angelique  Poupart,  their  daughter,  to  the  said  Jean  Bapiiste 
Cicotte,  who  promises  to  take  her  as  his  future  and  legitimate 
spouse  by  law  of  marriage  and  to  have  the  same  solemnized  in  the 
face  of  our  holy  Mother  Church,  and  this  as  soon  as  can  be  done 
■or  whenever  one  of  the  two  pr.rties  shall  demand  of  the  other. 
They  shall  be  the  future  espoused  couple,  one  and  common  in  their 
goods,  moveable  and  immoveable,  and  their  acquisitions  according 
to  the  usages  and  customs  of  Paris,  (Coutume  de  Paris)  in  express 
derogation  of  all  otlier  laws  and  customs,  contravening  appropri- 
ating to  themselves  the  said  Sieur  and  Demoiselle,  future  husband 
and  wife  jomtly  and  severally  the  goods  and  dues  to  them  apper- 
taining, whatever  they  may  consist  of  without  there  being  any 
necessity  of  making  a  designation.    The  future  husband  has  given 
and  does  give  to  the  said  Demoiselle  his  future  spouse  the  sum  of 
three  thousand  •'  Livres  Tours"  to  be  paid  in  one  stated  payment, 
to  have  and  to  take  so  soon  us  the  dower  shall  become  a  lien  upon 
all  the  goods  of  the  future  husband,  which  are  hereby  hypothe- 
cated to  furnish  and  make  available  the  said  dower  watch  the 
said  future  spouse  shall  enjoy  and  become  seized  of  without  being 
held  to  make  a  demand  in  her  own  right  in  a  court  of  justice. 
The  aforesaid  dower  shall  belong  to  the  children  who  shall  be  born 
of  the  said  marriage,  and  in  default  of  children,  in  her  own  right 
to  the  future  wife.  Arriving  at  the  dissolution  of  the  said  marriage 
by  the  decease  of  the  aforesaid  future  husband,  the  said  Demoi- 
selle future  wife  shall  have  and  shall  take  for  the  marriage  2000 
"Livers  Tours."    To  her  it  shall  be  lawful  and  to  her  children  if 
there  are  any,  and  in  default  of  children  to  the  next  heir  to  ac- 
cept or  refuse  a  community  of  goods  and  in  the  latter  case  the  said 
Demoiselle,  future  wife,  will  take  all  that  she  brought  to  said 
marriage;  her  wardrobe  and  jewels,  her  furnished  apartments  as 
well  as  any  goods  that  have  fallen  to  her  by  inheritance.     And  in 
consideration  of  the  sincere  affection  which  the  future  husband 
and  wife  bear  each  other,  they  have  made  and  do  make  by  these 
presents  to  the  survivor  two  free  gifts  equal,  mutual  and  recipro- 
cal of  all  their  goods,  furniture,  acquits,  gains  moveable  and  im- 
moveable which  shall  be  found  to  belong  and  appertain  to  the  one 
first  deceased  to  enjoy  at  such  decease  all  such  sums  and  quantities 
AS  said  goods  may  amount  to,  or  consist  of  and  wheresoever  they 


Hi!  'it'  I 


1^  ' 

111 ; 


¥• : 


i 


.■■.'  -I 


A- 


I 


288 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


may  be  situutecl.  And  for  making  a  ropjistry  of  these  presents  at 
the  clerk's  othce  of  the  aforeisaicl  City  of  Detroit,  and  wherever 
else  there  may  be  any  need,  the  said  parties  have  apjminted  their 
Attorney  General  and  special,  the  bearer  of  these  seals  siviiii;  him 
fidl  power,  thereby  reliiuiuishing,  piomisiii/;  and  agreeing  the 
things  done  at  Detroit  in  the  liouso  of  SieurJos.  Poujiart,  situated' 
in  the  Fort  on  tlie  7th  day  of  June  after  mid  day,  the  said  future 
husband  and  wile  after  reading  the  same  have  signed  with  us  as 
follows,  their  relatives  and  friends; 


(Signed) 


{Signed) 


J  KAN    BaPTE   CiCOTIS. 

AN(iKT.IQUE  PorrAKD. 

1IaV(  INTIIK    ItKAUMIC. 

PrEKiiK  Dks  Compteb  Labadie. 
Ph.  Hahuon. 
Dupe  HON  I^aby. 
Antoine  Ga  ielin 
Ciiaules  Keaumk 
John  Hay. 

liAPTE  ClIAPOTON. 

Geo.  Anthon. 

MeDOH  GA^fETJN. 

Joseph  Lamoureux. 

jACt^UES  GODEFIIOY. 

DE  JEAN, 

Notary. 


With  regard  to  the  division  of  property  in  general  according  to- 
the  civil  law  of  Canada,  it  consisted  of  moveable  and  immoveable 
property. 

JVIovEABLE  was  anything  that  could  be  moved  witlwut  fraction. 

Immoveable  was  anything  that  couUl  not  be  moved,  and  was 
divided  into  two  kinds,  propres  (personal),  and  acquit  Is  (acquired). 
Proprcfi  (personal),  is  an  estate  inherited  by  succession  in  thedu-ect 
or  collateral  line,  and  Acquit  is  an  estate  or  property  that  is  ac- 
quired by  any  other  means. 

Community  of  Property,  was  the  partnership  of  husbnnd  and 
wife  contract  on  marrying;  but  they  could  stipulate  in  tiieir  mar- 
riage contract  that  there  should  be  no  community  of  property  be- 
tween them. 

The  dot  or  dowry  was  all  the  property  whicli  the  wife  put  intO' 
the  community  wliether  moveable  or  immoveable.  But  immoveable 
property  falling  to  lier  in  a  direct  or  collateral  line  is  a  proper  or 
personal  estate  to  her;  and  does  not  fall  into  the  community.  The 
dower  was  a  certain  right  given  by  law  or  by  particular  agreement 
to  the  wife;  it  was  of  two  kinds,  tlie  c^'ntotnarp  Dower,  and  the 
stipulated  Dower.  The  former  consisted  of  half  the  property  whicli 
the  husband  was  possessed  of  at  the  time  of  tlieir  marriage  and 


^^" 


Ea}ly  French  Families. 


289 


half  of  all  tlie  property  which  mi^ht  com«  to  hun  in  a  direct  line. 
The  stipulated  dower  was  a  certain  sum  of  money  or  portion  of 
property,  instead  of  the  customary  dower  during  her  lifetime;  at 
her  death  it  fell  to  her  children  who  did  not  uccept  the  succession 
of  their  father,  but  her  heirs  succeed  to  the  stipulated  dower. 
Hence  by  the  conuiiunity  wiiich  existed  in  marriage,  no  man  could 
dispose  of  any  or  part  of  his  jjroperty  without  the  consent  of  his 
wife. 


CULIiERIER  DE  BEAUBIEN. 


This  family  still  stands  among  the  most  distinguished  in  Canada. 
It  is  known  under  tluf  names  of  'J^rotier  d(!  Beaubien,  dcs  Uivieres 
Trotier  des  Kuisseaux,  llay  de  Montigny.  The  branch  which 
settled  in  Detroit  was  formerly  called  Cuillericr.  In  large  fami- 
lies it  was  tlu'ii  customary  to  add  the  mother's  family  name  to 
distinguish  the  ditfercnt  branches,  viz. :  Des  Rivieres  de  la  JNlorand- 
it^re — Cuillericr  de  Beaul)ien. 

Rene  Cuillericr,  son  of  Julien  and  .Tulienne  Fairfeu  de  Clermont, 
near  La  Fleche,  came  to  Montreal,  married  there  Marie  Lecault 
in  1665.  Their  eldest  son,  Rene,  born  in  1(568.  was  sent  to  France 
to  be  educated  but  was  lost  at  sea  returning  to  Canada.  Jean,  bora 
in  1670,  married  in  1696,  Catherine  Trotier  de  Ueaubien,  from 
whom  the  Reaubiens  of  Michigan  des<^end.  Jean  died  in  1708, 
and  Catherine  married  in  1712,  Picote  de  Bellestre,  and  accompa- 
nied him  to  his  post  at  Fort  Pontchartraiu.  He  was  ensign  in  the 
French  army,  brotlier-in-hiw  of  de  Tonty  and  de  C'eleron,  former 
commandants  of  Fort  Pontchartrain.  He  died  there  in  1729, 
leaving  one  son,  Francois  Marie  Piquote  de  Bellestre,  the  last 
French  comnuuuler  of  that  fort.  By  the  first  husband,  Jean  Cuil- 
lericr, Catherine  had  two  sons:  1.  Jean  Baptiste  (lit  Beaubien, 
born  1709,  married  in  1742  at  Detroit,  Marianne  Lothman  de  Bar- 
rois. 

2.  Antoine,  born  1697,  married  in  1732  Angelique  Gerard. 
Jean  Baptiste  married  in  1742  Marianne  Lothman  de  Bar.ois,  by 
whom  he  had  the  following  children:  1.  Catherine,  born  1743; 
2.  Jean  Marie,  born  1745,  married  Claire  Gouin  his  son  Anto- 
iae  married  in  1829  Monique  DesComptes  Labadie,  daughter 
ot  Pierre  and  Thertise  Gaillard.  Antoine  had  no  children  and 
left  a  portion  of  his  et'tate  (known  as  the  Antoine  Beaubien  farm) 
to  charitable  purposes.  The  present  site  of  the  Sacred  Heart  Con- 
vent in  Jetroit  was  their  residence.  Pierre,  Jean  Marie's  son, 
married  in  1824  Catherine  Edesse  Dequindre,  daughter  of  Antoine 
and  Catherine  Des  Rivieres  de  la  Morandiere,  whose  daughter 
Lydia  married  Joseph  Lewis. 

Antoine  married  Angelique  de  Lacelle  in  1732,  whose  childrea 
19 


290 


J    5' 


i  T 


ni 


ii  5 


.»{ 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


were  as  follows:  1.  Mivriiinnn  married  in  1750  Pierre  Chosne  La 
IJutte;  2.  Alexis,  born  \7^'i>.  lie  was  iinplieated  in  1709  in  the 
nuinler  of  Fisher's  child,  luit  was  honorably  ac(iiiilled.  lie  was 
Ciilled  (Juilleri(!r  dil  Heanbien  (the  (lescendants  have  dnjpjK'd  Ihe 
former  name  and  retain  the  latter);  Ji.  An^eli(iue,  born  17;{5.  mar- 
ried in  17(50  .lames  Sterling:;  4.  Anioine  married  in  1784  Catherine 
Barrois,  widow  of  Pierre  Si.  (Josme,  The"'-  son,  Jean  Hapiiste, 
born  1789,  settled  in  (.'hicaijo  and  was  known  as  Col.  Heanbien, 
married  .Tos(?tte  Laframboise.  Medard  and  Mare,  two  of  Anioine's 
sons,  went  to  Kansas,  where  their  descendants  reside;  5.  Lambert 
married  in  1788  Genevit^ve  Cam])eau,  whose  son  Lambert  mar- 
ried in  1821  Felice  Morand,  dani^hter  of  Lonis  and  Catherine 
Campeau.     Charles  married  iu  1831  busanne  Cicotte. 

DEHERSAC. 


Jacob  L'^Ommesprou  de  Mersac  was  one  of  the  officers  who  ac- 
companied Cadillac  to  Detroit  in  1701.  lie  died  there  in  1747 
leavinijsciveral  children  by  his  wife  Theres('  David.  The  family 
had  several  titles,  Marcas  de  L'Obtrou,  de  Lonmiespron,  and  Dcs- 
rochers.  Jacques,  born  1704,  died  younij;  Jaccjnes,  born  1707; 
Francois,  married  17JJ4,  Ther^se  Campeau  by  whom  he  had,  1. 
Francois,  born  17156,  married  1767.  (-harlotie  Bourassa;  Thertso, 
married  Louis  lieaufait; ;}.  Jean  Bapte,  born  1740,  married  1773, 
Genevieve  Sei^uin  Laderonte;  4.  Marie  Louise,  born  1744,  mar- 
ried 176:i  Robert  Mavarre,  Jr. 

Francois  de  M<'r8ac,  married  1767,  Charlotte  Bourassa,  who  was 
allied  to  the  families  Le  Ber,  Testard  de  Montigny,  De  Lan- 
glade, Grei^non,  &c.  Their  children  were:  1.  Cecile,  married 
1776,  Vatal  Saraziu  de  Pelleteau;  2.  Francois,  born  1769;  3.  Jac- 
ques, born  1772;  4.  Kobert,  born  1774;  5.  Antoine,  born  1776;  6. 
Bene,  born  1777,  married  1806.  Eulalie  Gouin;  his  daughter 
Sophie,  married  Louis  Campeau  of  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

Jean  Bapte  (Benjamin),  married  1773,  Genevieve  Seguin  Lade- 
route;  the  children  '/ere:  Archange,  born  1774;  Rose,  born  1776; 
Genevieve,  born  1777,  married  1797,  Henri  Campau;  Charlotte, 
born  1779. 

It  is  a  tradition  in  the  DeMersac  family,  that  its  founder  at  De- 
troit, Jacob,  after  he  had  resigned  his  position  of  officer  in  the 
French  army,  cultivated  the  land  granted  him;  it  was  no  un- 
usual sight  to  see  him  ploughing  with  his  sword  at  his  side. 

DE  aUINDBE. 


This  family  is  known  under  the  titles  of  De  Pecanier,  Pon 
«hartram,  Fonteaoy,  de  La  Saussaye.    Daigneaux  Douville, 


Karhj  French  Faviilies. 


291 


gallant  oflleor.  stalloncd  at  Fort  Pontchartrain  ns  carlv  as  1730, 
received  for  liis  (listiiii^uishcd  services  a  ijraiil  of  land  on  Ijako 
(Miaini)Iidri.  Daiiineaux  Doiiville  is  llu;  fiiniily  najue  of  the  Do 
Quindre,  and  is  Ijorne  to-day  by  tlie  Marciuis  Daitrneaux  Doiivillo 
in  France.  Louis  ('czar  Daiijncaux  Doiivide  l)e  t^'dndie,  Col. 
•of  Militia  under  French  rule,  settled  about  1715,  at  Detroit.  lie 
had  marri(!(i  Loui-^e  Catherine  Pitiuote  de  Hellesire,  a  sister  of  the 
Commandant  of  that  name,     lie  j^cnerally  signs  his  name  Fon- 

TENOV. 

Francois,  his  eldest  son,  was  Sieur  de  Pecanier,  an  olUccr  in 
the  British  army,  married  1779,  Ther^se  lioye,  daughter  of 
Ignace  and  Ang(!li(iue  (1(!  Cardonet.  The  children  were:  Fiian- 
cois,  born  1780.  marri(!d  18'.i2,  Marie  Hence  Petit;  Antoink, 
born  17HJ;  Loviis.  born  178(5;  Thercse.  born  1787;  Pierre. 

Antoine  was  called  De  Pontchartrain,  on  account,  it  is  said,  of 
being  the  first  child  of  European  parents  born  within  the  walls 
of  the  French  fort.  He  married  Catherine  Des  Hivicres  do  la 
Morandiere,  of  a  celebrated  and  illustrious  fiimily.  Tin;  children 
were:  1. Catherine,!).  178'i;3.  Antoine,  b.  1784; 3.  CatherineEdes.se, 
"born  1797,  married  1824,  Pierre  Heaubien.  A  daughter  by  this 
marriage  marri(!d  Jo.seph  Lewis;  4.  Adelaide,  born  1788,  Philip 
Chabert  de.loncaire  and  Claire  Gouin  were  her  godparents.  She 
mtu'ried  1808.  Josciih  (Jampau;  5.  Loi'is,  born  1790,  married 
Marie  Desnoyers.  The  children  were:  Jlenry,  who  died  without 
leaving  heirs,  and  Annie,  who  married  Edward  Lansing;  6.  Tr.M- 
OTHY  married  Jeanette  Gode-Marentette,  daughter  of  Donunique 
and  Archange  Louise  Navarre.  The  children  were  :  Sara,  mar- 
ried Columl)us  Godfroy,  of  Monroe,  Mich.,  son  of  Jacques  and 
Victoire  Navarre  :  Elizabeth,  married  Oliver  Edwards,  son  of 
Major  Edwards,  U.  S.  A.;  Emilie,  married  Chas.  llaj'cs,  of  Kal- 
amazoo, Mich. ;  7.  Julie,  born  1799,  married  Judge  Chas.  Moran. 

Antoine,  born  1784.  generally  called  Col.,  served  with  great 
distinction  at  the  battle  of  Monguagi-n,  in  1813,  and  received  the 
thanks  of  the  Legislature  for  his  gallantry.  He  was  olfered  the 
Tank  of  M.'ijor  in  tlie  U.  S.  army,  but  decdned.  He  was  u  prom- 
inent merehaut,  and  noted  for  the  grace  and  courtliness  of  his 
manner.  He  married,  in  1809,  Cath.  Chapcton,  daughter  of 
Louis  Alexis,  by  whom  he  had  several  children. 


DESCOMPTES  LABADIE. 


This  name  is  among  the  most  conspicious  in  the  early  days  of  the 
colony ;  and  the  numerous  descendants  today  are  scattered 
throughout  Canada  and  every  part  of  the  United  States,  many  of 
them  proudly  preserving  Iheir  rank  and  prominence. 

FiiANCOiB,  son  of  Francois  and  Marie  lienoult  de  St.  Leger, 


.  ^  •(■ 


I", 


202 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


... 


I 


.  4  ; 


I)i<)('('S(!  of  Xaintos,  Fiuncc,  born  1044,  niarricMl  in  Cnnnda  iii 
1071,  .I<'anno  llt-licrt,  a  name  well  known  in  ("ainula.  There  was 
a  title  of  LeC'onipte  in  Uk,'  Ilebert  branch  from  whence!  peiliaj)}*^ 
comes  the  Descomptes  in  the  liabadic.  Their  children  were: 
Jkannic,  born  1074,  married  Nicolas  Sylvester  ;  CirAUi.oTTK, 
married  .Iian  Horneau  ;  Fhancoisk.  nuirried  172:5,  Mari;uiMite 
Cotly  ;  Lkvvis  Jos,,  married  Gabriellc  LaHoche  ;  Piiouhk, 
married,  1725,  J>ouise  Oervais  ;  jAciiiiKH  was  Major  in  the 
French  army  and  died  at  Three  Hivers  in  1707. 

In  17;W  the  name  was  borne  in  France  by  Alexandn;  Etienne 
Ravielt.  C'lande  Labadie,  Colonel  of  an  Infantry  regiment, 
Chevalier,  Seigneur  de  la  Chausseliere.  He  was  the  son  of 
Francois.  A  son  of  Alexander  was  Francois  Patrice  Alexandre 
Vincent  liavielt  de  Jjabadie,  Cai)tain  in  the  navy.  He  was  born 
at  Kochelle,  17;i2.  Pikuisk,  born  1702,  son  of  jean  Hai)te  of  the 
Diocese  of  LaUoclielle,  came  to  (^nelu'C  and  married  there  in 
1727.  Angeliquede  Jjac(!lle,daughtei'«)f  Jac((iies  de  Lacelle,Savigny 
Sur-Oise,  Diocese  of  Paris  and  Aii«ierK|ue  Gibaut  of  Poitiers 
abont  1747.  lie  came  to  Detroit  and  immediately  took  a  fore- 
most rank  in  the  alfairs  of  the  colony.  His  children  were  : 
1.  Antoin'K  Louis,  born  1744,  married,  1759,  Angelique  Campeau. 
In  1784,  he  married  a  second  time,  ('harlolte  Barthe,  widow  of 
Lientenant  Louis  Heaume.  of  the  British  army  ;  2.  Alkxis,  born 
1740,  married  1709,  Francoise  Robert  ;  8.  Joskttk,  married  1755, 
Charles  Chesne,  the  Interpreter;  4.  Maikiukuitk,  married,  1700, 
Claude  Solo  ;  5.  Pikuuk,  born  1742,  married  Therese  Gaillard 
Livernois. 

EiiiZAHKTir,  born  1749,  married  1700,  Joscj)!!  Lupien  Barron. 
On  the  twenty-sixth  of  February,  1759,  Antoine  Louis,  (called 
Badichon  by  the  Indians)  married  Augelique,  daughter  of 
Kicolas  Campeau  (Niagara),  in  the  i)resence  of  Pierre  Des 
Comptes  Labadie,  llyacinthe  Heaume,  C'laude  Campeau,  Charles 
Chesne,  Jean  Gaultier,  Pierre  Testard  de  Fortville,  Robert 
Navarre,  Sub-Intendant,  Pierre  de  St.  Cosme.  Simple  Boquet, 
Missionary  RecoUet.  By  this  marriage  he  had  three  children  ; 
Antoine,  (Didine)  married  Chesne  La  Butte;  Angei-ique, 
manied  Seguin  Laderoute. 

Catishe,  married  J.  Peltier.  In  1784,  Louis,  (Badichon) 
married  Charlotte  Barthe,  daughter  of  Pierre  and  Charlotte 
Chapoton,  widow  of  Lieutenant  Louis  Reaume,  of  the  British 
army.  Their  children  were  :  1.  Ckcii-e,  married,  1808,  Angustin 
Lagrave,  son  of  Antoine  and  Therese  Duberger,  dit  Sana 
Chargrin,  Her  descendants  reside  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and 
intermarried  into  all  the  old  French  families  of  that  city.  2. 
Felice,  married  John  Hale,  one  of  her  daughters,  Antoinette, 
married  Jos.  Langly,  of  New  York  ;  the  other,  Lizzie,  married 
"William  Driggs.     Her  son,  William  Driggs,  is  an  officer  in  the 


It., 


m 


Early  French  Families. 


293 


U.  S.  A. ;  3.  Is.vuKLLK,  married  St.  Luc  Scdillot  de  Montroull. 
One  of  her  diiu<,diters,  Felice,  nwidcja  in  Detroit,  is  tlie  wife  of 
A1(!X.  Cluipoton,  Sr.  A  sou,  Luc,  umrrled  Marie  |{ol)er<?e,  \vlu)i8 
known  as  tlie  "  Sister  of  Mercy  "  of  Wailierviile,  ou  account  of 
lier  unselrtsii  devotion  and  charitable  deeds  ;  4.  Eimmiuosink, 
married  Petrilnoue  ;  5.  Makoukiutk,  married  IH29,  Elias  John 
Swan,  of  All)any,  N.  Y.,  hou  of  Elias  and  Eli/.abetli  Palmer 

6.  Eleonore,  married,  first  J.  Iteid,  second  in  1800.  .lean  Bapto 
Piquette,  son  of  Jean  Bapte  and  Francoise  ArchevCque  de 
Rouen,  by  whom  she  had  two  sons.  Jean  Hapte  and  Charles  ; 
third,  in  1820,  Thomas  Slieldon  ;  by  this  marriaixe  slie  hnd  tliree 
children  :  Tmomah,  married  Winnie  Clark,  niece  of  Governor 
Fenton,  of  Michiijan  ;  Uosk,  married  Henry  Geisse,  of  a  distin- 
p:uished  Philadelphia  family.  Her  daughter  Nklly,  married 
Orville  Allen  and  resides  at  i)etroit.     One  of    he  sons,  Thomas, 

})ossesses  a  superb  voice.  Music  seems  to  have  been  a  peculiar 
egacy  which  the  DesComptes  Labadies  have  left  to  their 
descendants  ;  ALioxANDKurNK  Macomij,  married  first.  Harnabe 
Campeau,  son  of  Harnabe  (  L'Abbe)  and  Archange  McI)o\igall.  by 
whom  she  had  three  children  :  Ciiaulottk,  died  in  infancy  ; 
TiroMAS  SiiKi.DON  ;  Alijkut,  who  is  a  physician  at  Detroit,  She 
married  the  second  time,  Ricliard  Storrs  Willis. 

SECOND  bhanch. 

Alexis,  (Badi)  married  Marie  Francoise  Robert,  daughter  of 
Antoineand  Marie  Louise  Beconon,  of  Amiens,  France,  in  jiresence 
of  Le  Chevalier  Chal)ert  de  Joncaire,  De  Lacelle,  Jacquco 
Duperon  Baby,  C.  Le  Blont,  Nicolas  de  LaCelle,  CJluuies  Cliesne, 
Louis  Nicolas  DesComptes  Labadie,  Simplic  Bocjufot,  Missionary 
RecollOt.  The  children  of  tliis  union  were  :  Mahie  FuANCorHB, 
l)orn  1774,  married  1795.  Isidore  Navarre;  Maii(UII<:uitfo,  born  1773, 
married  Etienne  Dubois  ;  CiiAUiiKS,  married  1809,  Marianne 
Cicotte  ;  MoNujUK  married  1813,  Francois  Cadot  ;  Emzahetii, 
married  1808,  Charhis  Gouin  ;  Louise  Adelaide,  married  Hya- 
cinthe  Saliotte;  Auciianue  born  1787  ;  Pieuue  married  1809, 
Marie  Barron;  Alexis  married,  1811,  Anne  Bourgeois;  second, 
1823,  Isabelle  Rousseau  ;  C'ecile  married,  1802,  Pierre  LeDuc. 

THIHD    miANCII. 

PiF.URE,  brother  of  Alexis,  (Badi)and  Louis,  (Badichon) 
married  Theri^se  Gaillard.  of  a  most  distinguished  family  of 
Quebec.  Their  children  were  :  1.  Pieuue  married,  1812,  Eliza- 
beth Bienvenu  Delisle  ;  2.  Emzahetii  married,  1820.  Jean  Bapte 
Beseau  ;  3.  Monique,  married.  1829,  Antoine  Beaubicn,  son  of 
Antoine  and  Catherine  Lothman  de  Barrc'is  ;  4.  Josette,  mar- 
ried William  Knaggs  ;  5.  Maiujueuite  married  Judge  James 
May,  one  of  the  earliest  Justices  of  the  Territory  of  Mihigan.     He 


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Ilti 


d 

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1 

^;i  i  f 

V, 

294 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


W    \  \ 


; 


;ii-:! 


had  previously  married  AdCilc  de  St.  Cosme.  Tije  only  child 
by  this  ni!irriai;e,  Er,t'/Ai5ETii  Annk  married  Gabri(5l  Godfrey, 
Jr.,    son   of  Col.   Gabriel  and  Anii;('li(iue  do  Couture. 

By  Marguerite.  Judge  .May  had  many  children:  1.  ^Iauib 
married  LouisMoran  of  Grand  Kapids,  Mich.  Some  of  her  des- 
cendants still  reside  there. 

Marguerite  Anne  married  Col.  Edward  Brooks,  U.  S.  A.  Iler 
cliildren  were  mostly  girls  and  provcsrbial  for  tlieir  beauty, 
brightne.ss  of  intellect  and  sui)urb  nuisleal  talent.  1.  Mau- 
OAKioT  ;  Annio  BiiooKS  uiarrieil  Charles  \V,  AV'hipple,  son  of 
Ca[)tain  Whipple,  U.  S.  A.,  and  Arehange  Pelletier.  He  was  a 
very  able  lawyer  and  held  the  ofliee  of  Chief  Justice  of  Michigan. 
She  died  at  the  early  age  of  thirty,  leaving  two  daughters 
Eunice,  wife  of  Judge  William  Jennison,  of  i)etroit,  Adeline 
widow  of  Mr.  Johnson  ;    8.  Adeline   died   unmarried. 

4.  Heukcca  married  Dr.  J.  B.  Scovile,  a  most  abl(!  and  prominent 
physician  of  Detroit.  Two  children  were  the  fruits  of  this  union:  1. 
Edwaiid  Brooks,  whose  wonderful  voice  has  won  him  a  national 
reputation,  married  Marcia  Hoosevelt,  daughter  of  Judge  Roose- 
velt of  New  York  ;  3.  May  married  Richard  Cornell  of  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  and  is  known  as  May  Fielding  to  the  histronic  and  musi- 
cal world. 

4,  OcTAViA  married  J.  C.  W.  Seymour.  Three  children  of 
his  marriage  are  still  living  :  Wilmam  ;  Emzauetii,  wife  of 
Lieutenant  Waterbury.  U.  S.  A.;  Makguekite,  wife  of  Rush 
Drake,  formerly  of  Detroit,  but  now  of  Denver,  C'ol.;  Maky 
mar*'ed  Mr.  Whitney,  of  Philadelphia,  and  is  noted  in  New  York 
socit  y  as  one  of  its  most  beautiful  and  brilliant  women;  6.  WiL 
liiAM  died  unmarried;  7.  Edwakd;  8.  Emma  died  unmarried;  9. 
Emily  manied  Francis  ^larkman  and  resided  in  New  York  ;. 
Elizaketh  married  Henry  Scovil ;  Cauiiie  married  I'hilip  Guliger 
and  resided  in  New  York,  where  her  wonderful  voice  washigidy 
appreciated. 

4.  Nancy,  fourth  daughter  of  Judge  May,  married  Jamea 
"Whipple,  son  of  Mayor  John  Whi]ipie  and  Arehange 
Peltier.  In  1823,  she  married  Francois  Audrain  ;  5.  Cakoline 
married  1829,  Alexander  Fra/.er,  the  leader  for  many  years  of  the 
Detroit  bar.  The  only  child  of  this  marriage  was  Ai^exandek, 
■wlio  married  Milly  Miles,  of  New  York  :  Alexandeu,  Jr.  died, 
leaving  one  daughter;  Cakrie,  who  died  unmarried. 


DESNOYEBS. 


There  are  many  families  of  this  name  who  settled  at  an  early 
period  in  this  country.  The  Detroit  branch  traces  direct  to  France 
through  Pierre  Jean  Desnoyers,  who  established  himself  at  Detroit 
shortly  after  the  American  possession  in  1796.     He  was  the  son  of 


Early  French  Families. 


295 


Jean  Charles  and  Marie  Charlotte  Mallet,  St.  Bartholomi  Parish, 
Paris.  Pierre  iiuniedialely  look  au  active  interest  in  the  alliiirsof 
the  little  town  whieli  h(^  had  chosen  for  the  cradle  of  his  race.  He 
was  nniversnlly  respected  as  a  tliorouj^h  Christian,  an  upright,  eu- 
terprisinii'  citi/en,  a  courteous  and  (^harming  coinpaidon. 

July  8()th,  17J>H,  he  married  Marie  Louise  Gobeil,  whose  saintly 
life  is  mirrored  in  thiil  of  her  daughters.  Many  children  came  to 
bless  the  union  of  this  liapi)y  couple:  1.  Pierre,  married  in  1831, 
Caroline  L(ub,  daughter  of  John  and  Marguerite  O'Connor  of 
Philiidelpliia.  She  left  two  children,  J)r.  Edmund  Dcvsuoyers  and 
Emilie  who  married  the  talented  artist  Ennle  St.  Alary.  Pierre 
married  a  second  time,  Anne  Hunt  Whip|)le,  daugiiter  of  Ciipt. 
John  Whipple,  U.  S.  A.,  and  Archange  Peltier,  by  whom  h(^  had 
many  children,  but  only  two  at  present  living.  Kate,  married  J. 
Newton  Powers;  Fanny,  married  1875,  Wm.  B.  Moran.  Pierre 
held  many  oltices  of  public  tru^-t,  and  died  in  1880,  at  an  advanced 
age;  2.  ^iarie  Itose,  married  1817,  Louis  de  Quiiidre. whose  daugh- 
ter Annie  married  Edward  Lansing  of  New  York;  3.  Emilie,  mar- 
ried Louis  Leib.  She  died  young,  and  left  no  heirs;  4.  Victoire, 
married  1825,  Henry  S.  Cole,  of  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.,  a  most  able 
lawyer,  who  had  settled  at  Detroit.  Their  family  consisted  of 
three  sons  and  four  dnughters  :  Augustus  Porter  Cole;  Charles 
Seymour,  died  unmarried;  James  Henry,  died  tmmarried;  Marie 
Louise,  married  E.  M.  Wilcox;  Isabelle,  died  a  nun  of  the  Sacred 
Heart;  Marie  Antoinette;  Harriets.,  whose  beautiful  and  pious  life 
is  a  repetition  of  that  of  her  mother  and  grandmother;  5.  Eliza- 
beth, married  1885,  James  J.  Van  Dyke,  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
lawyers  of  his  time,  who  died  before  he  fulfilled  the  brightest 
expectiitions  which  his  tnlents  promised,  leaving  a  large  family  as 
follows:  Geo.  W.,  married  Fanny  Perley,  widow  of  Chas.  Picjuette; 
Marie  Desnoyers,  married  Wm.  (!asgrain,  a  member  of  that  dis- 
tinguished family  of  ('anada.  She  resides  at  Milwaukee,  Wis. ; 
Philip  James  1).,  married  1st  Marion  King,  2nd  Sarah  lieeson.  He 
was  one  of  the  most  promising  lawyers  Detroit  has  ever  produced, 
inheriting  in  an  eminent  degre(!  the  brilliant  talents  of  his  distin- 
guished father.  He  tiled  in  the  tlower  of  his  age,  leaving  foiu'  boys 
by  his  second  marriage  :  Ernest  D.  is  the  worthy  and  respected 
pastor  of  the  Pro.  Catliedral,  (St.  Aloysius)  Detroit;  Josephine  Des- 
noyers, married  Henry  F.  Brownson,  an  officer  in  the  U.  S.  A.  He 
resigned  in  1871,  became  a  lawyer  and  partner  of  Philip  J.  D.  Van 
Dyke.  He  is  a  son  of  tlie  celebrated  writer.  Dr.  Orestes  Brownson. 
Major  Brownson  is  one  of  the  most  scholarly  men  of  which 
Detroit  is  justly  proud.  He  has  a  large  and  interesting  family, 
the  members  of  which  though  j^oung  already  give  promise  of  the 
talents  doubly  inherited;  Victoire,  is  a  nun  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  Order;  Elise,  maiiied  1872,  William  B.  Moran.  She  died 
in  1874,  leaving  one  child  Catherine;  6.  Charles  Desnoyers.  married 


11 

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11'     n 


296 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


Elizabeth  Knajrj?s,by  whom  he  had  three  sons;  7.  Francois,  married 
Louise  Baird.  of  Erie,  Pa.,  settled  at  Green  Bay,  Wis.  His  chil- 
dren still  reside  there;  8.  Josephine,  married  Henry  Barnard,  son. 
of  Chaun(;y  Barnard  and  Eliziibeth  Andrus,  Hartford,  Conn.  Mr. 
Barnard,  is  a  thorough  scholar,  and  has  held  many  impor- 
tant positions.  He  was  President  of  St.  John's  College,  Md., 
Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  U.  S.  Commissioner  of 
Education.  One  son  and  two  daughters  are  the  chi'dren  of  this 
marriage.  The  son,  Henry  D.,  resides  in  Detroit,  is  an  accom- 
plished, studious  gentleman  .ambitious  and  likely  to  obtain  emi- 
nence in  the  political  world,  in  which  he  has  already  attained 
position  and  reputation  of  which  many  an  older  man  might  well 
be  proud.  He  married  in  1878,  Kittle,  daughter  of  Judge  Chas. 
Moran,  and  Justine  McCormack. 

DOUAIBE  DE  BONDY. 

This  family  is  still  to  be  found  among  the  haute  nnhUme  of 
France  It  was  once  very  influential  in  Canada,  allied  to  the 
Fleury  de  la  GorgondK^re,  de  Vaudreuil,  Joliet,  Godefroy,  d'A- 
mours,  and  others.  Thomas  Douaire  de  Bondy  came  to  Canada 
in  1650,  and  married  Marguerite  de  ('havigny,  daughter  of  Fran- 
cois, Seigneur  de  (/hampennois  in  France,  and  the  great  heiress, 
Eleonore  de  Grandmaison.  This  Eleonore  tlioug''.  married  three 
times  always  signed  her  maiden  name  to  deeds  and  documents. 
Thomas  was  drowned  whilst  bathing  near  his  residence,  the  Isle 
d'Orleans,  leaving  a  rich  young  widow  and  four  children.  She 
married  in  1071,  Alexis  de  Fleury  d'Eschambault  and  became  the 
ancestress  of  the  powerful  Fleury  de  la  Gorgondiere  family 
whose  deeds  and  exploits  till  the  annals  of  Canada.  By  her  first 
marriage  with  Houaire  de  Bondy  she  had  the  following  children: 
1.  DoKOTHEE,  married,  in  France,  Count  Fabian  d'Albergati.  Her 
son,  Marie  JjUc,  Marquis  d'Albergati,  married,  in  1757,  Char- 
lotte d'Aubert,  of  the  Juchereau  family;  2.  LoursK  M-vnouEnrTE, 
married,  1st,  Pierre  Allemand,  in  109-}  Nicolas  Pineau;  B.  Au- 
GUSTiN,  married,  169;},  (Jalherine  Testard  d(!  la  Forest.  A  grand- 
son of  his  married,  in  1780.  in  France,  Charlotte  Testard  de  Mon- 
tigny,  daughter  of  Chevalier  Jean  Baptiste  and  Charlotte  Trotier 
des  Rivieres;  4.  Jacques,  married  1()60,  Madeliene  Gatineau  du 
Plessis.  daughter  of  Nicolas,  Sieur  du  Plessis  and  Marie  Crevier. 
1.  jA(XiUEs,  married,  1728,  Marl  •  I)ain(nn"s  Avhose  family  goes  back 
to  1496,  Francois  Seigneur  du  Serin  who  belonged  to  the  royal 
household  of  Louis  XII.  Marie's  grandfather.  Seigneur  de  la 
Morandiere,  came  to  Canada  in  1653.  His  brother  was  a  Mare- 
chal  d(;  France. 

2.  Joseph,  sou  of  Jacques  and  Madeleine  Gatineau  du  Plessis, 


Early  French  Families. 


297 


■came  to  Detroit  in  1730,  married,  in  1732,  Marie  Anne  Campeaii, 
daughter  of  Jacques  and  Cecile  Catin.  Their  children  were:  1. 
Antoink;  2.  Dominique,  married  1799,  Charlotte  Saliotte,  whose 
descendants  are  still  in  Michigan  and  Indiana;  3.  Laurent,  was 
a  very  brave  soldier  and  was  killed  in  1812;  4.  Benjamin;  5. 
Catherine,  married  Antoine  Baron;  6.  Josette,  married  Jo- 
seph Beaubien;  7.  Tiierese,  married  Col,  Gabriel  Godfroy;  8. 
Joseph,  married  1758,  Josette  Gamelia;  9.  Veronique,  married 
Bernard  Campeau. 

DUBOIS. 


Several  branches  of  this  family  settled  at  Detroit:  Dubois  dit 
Filliau;  Dubois  dit  Durebois,  or  Brisebois.  It  was  the  family 
name  of  the  sixth  French  Governor  of  Canada,  Pierre  Dubois, 
Baron  D'Avaugour.  In  1754  Jean  Baptiste  Dubois  (Durebois),  son 
of  Jean  Francois  and  Marianne  Prudhomme  of  Quebec,  married, 
at  Detroit,  Charlotte  Des  Hestrcs,  daughter  of  Antoine  and  Char- 
lotte Chartier.  Their  children  were:  1.  Pierre  Amable.  born  1755; 
2.  Jean  Louis, born  1758,  died  young;  3.  Susanne,born  1759;  4.  Mari- 
anne, born  1760.  In  1760  l^rancois  Dubois,  a  brother  of  Jean 
Baptiste,  married  Susanne  Durivage.  The  one  who  left  his  name 
to  the  present  Dubois  Farm  was  Etienne,  son  of  Etienne  and  Marie 
Charlotte  de  Lacelle  of  Montreal.  He  came  to  Detroit  several 
years  previous  to  the  American  possession;  in  1792  he  married 
Marguerite,  daughter  of  Alexis  (Badi)  Descomptes  Labadie  and 
Francoise  Robert — to  whom  he  was  distantly  related  through  his 
mother.  James,  a  son  of  this  union,  married,  in  1839,  Sophie 
Campau,  daughter  of  Jacques  and  Josette  Chesne.  He  died  a 
few  years  ago.  leaving  to  his  children  his  large  estate,  and  the  repu- 
tation of  an  honorable  man  and  upright  citizen.  His  children 
are:  Louis,  married  Julie  St.  Aubir ,  daughter  of  Louis  and 
Therese  Cliapoton;  Emilie,  married  .»I.  de  Girardin;  Elizabeth, 
married  Julian  Williams. 


QAMELIN. 


This  name  ranks  among  the  most  celebrated  in  Canada,  and  is 
still  found  in  France.  jNlichel  came  to  (Janada  as  u  surgeon,  and 
married  there,  in  1662,  Marguerite  Crevier.  a  member  of  that  his- 
toric and  aristocratic  family.  Their  children  were:  Ignace,  bora 
1663,  married  1673.  Marguerite  Le  Moyne;  Marguerite,  born  1664, 
married  1657,  Leger  Hebert;  Jean,  born  1670;  Pierre,  born  1675, 
matried  1699,  Jeanne  Maugras;  Genevieve,  married  Baptiste 
Le  Gras.  Ignace  married  Marguerite  Le  Moyne,  daughter  of  .lean 
And  Madeleine  de  Chavigny.  His'son  Ignace  marrietl  1698,  Louise 
DuFros  de  la  Jammerais,  whose  sister  Marguerite,  after  the  death 


If 


1!   !• 


298 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


\^' '  II 


:  j ' 


1  ! 


I      i 


w. 


W. 


1:1 


of  lier  husband,  Francois  You,  Sieur  de  la  Decouverte,  became- 
the  celebrated  foundress  of  the  Grey  Nuns  at  Montreal.  Louise 
was  tlie  dautjhter  of  Christopher  DuFros,  and  Renos  Gaultier. 
The  sons  of  I<z:nace  and  Louise  came  to  J3etroit  in  17G0. 
They  were  Medor  and  Antoine — the  former  married,  in 
1767,  Ani^elique  ('icotte;  he  was  very  prominent  in  getting 
up  the  tirst  militia  under  French  rule  and  was  appointed 
Major;  he  died  in  1778.  Antoine,  his  brother,  married  his 
cousin  Catherine  Gamelin,  daughter  of  Laurent,  who  had  come 
to  Fort  Pontchartrain  before  his  cousins;  he  was  the  son 
of  Pierre  and  Jeanne  jNIaugras,  Allied  to  the  Honcher  de 
Boncherville.  He  had  married  Josette  Dudevoir  Lachine,  by 
whom  he  had  the  following  children:  Marie  Jeanne,  born  1748, 
married  Jean  LeGras;  Catherine,  born  1744,  married  1765, 
Antoine  Gamelin,  son  of  Ignace  and  Louise  DuFros  de  la  Jam- 
merais;  Josette,  married  1758,  Joseph  Douaire  de  Bondy,  who 
was  related  to  her  through  the  De  Chavignys;  Francois,  married, 
1773,  Therese  Cabassier;  second  mar.,  1786,  Marie  Joachine 
Fouche,  of  Montreal;  Laurent,  born  1755;  Francoise,  born  1756; 
Paul,  born  1757.  Francois  and  Threse  Cabassier's  children  were: 
Catishe,  married  Simon  Campau;  Josette,  married,  1796,  Jean 
Baptiste  Campeau.  Francois'  second  wife,  M.  Joachine,  daughter 
of  Antoine,  a  lawyer  of  Montreal,  and  Joachine  Chesnay  de  la 
Garenne;  her  brother  was  an  eminent  judge.  Solicitor  and  Inspector 
General,  and  Member  of  Parliament  of  Three  Rivers,  Canada. 
The  children  of  this  marriage  were:  Francois,  died  unmarried; 
Susanne,  boi-n  1796,  married  Audrain  Abbott,  son  of  Robert  and 
Elizabetli  Audrain.  She  still  lives,  having  outlived  every  member 
of  her  family  (save  a  grandson)  and  ihe  friends  of  her  youth. 
Few,  in  conversing  with  her,  would  imagine  that  her  years  num- 
bered eighty-seven.  The  kindling  eye,  dark  hair,  and  charming 
grace  ancl  courtesy  of  manner  make  her  an  attractive  companion 
to  the  young  and  old.  She  is  a  thorough  type  of  the  Old  Regime, 
which  in  her  will  lose  one  of  its  last  representatives. 


t;    \ 


Mil 


GODE   DE   MARANTAY. 


This  family  counts  among  its  descendants  a  branch  of  Le  Moyne 
de  St.  Ilelene,  Le  Gardeur  de  Repentigny,  St.  Ours,Guyon,  Gode- 
froy,  Reaume,  and  others  equally  well  known.  Nicholas  B., 
1588,  a  native  of  Perche,  was  a  man  of  considerable  ability;  he 
was  killed  with  his  son-in-law,  Jean  de  St.  Per,  by  the  Iroquois,  in 
1657;  he  left  several  children  by  his  wife  Francoise  Gadois: 
Francois,  married  1649,  Francois  Bugon,  de  Clermont,  Auvergne; 
Nicolas,  married  1658,  Marguerite  Picard,  de  Paris;  Mathurine, 
married  1651,  Jean  de  St.  Per,  Royal  Notary  of  Montreal;  he  was- 


|!  .  ! 


Early  FrencJi  Families. 


299 


killed  by  the  Indians  in  1657.  Their  daughter  Agathe,  born  1657, 
married  1685.  Pierre  LeGardeur  de  Repentigny;  one  of  Agalht^s 
daughters,  married  in  1705,  Jean  Bapte  de  St.  Ours,  Chevalier 
de  St.  Louis,  whose  family  ean  be  trat(;d  back  to  the  Kith  century; 
he  was  a  distinguished  oflloer,  and  commanded  at  Fort  Pontchar- 
train;  when  he  came  to  his  jiost  he  was  accompanied  by  hi8 
cousins,  Jacques  and  Francois  Gode;  IMathurine,  married  a  year 
after  her  husband's  tragic  death.  .Tac(iues  Le  Moyne  de  St.  Ilelene, 
brother  of  the  Baron  de  Longueil,  Governor  of  Canada,  an  uncle 
of  Iberville,  and  De  Bienville,  the  founder  of  New  Orleans,  La — 
Seigneur  de  la  Yarennes,  and  de  la  Trinlte.  Jaccjues,  son  of 
Nicolas,  Jr.,  married  3Iargiu'rite  Du  Guay,  daughter  of  Dr. 
Jacques  Du  Guay  and  Jeanne  de  Baudry-Lamarche,  of  the 
renowned  Boucher  de  Boucherville  family.  Two  of  their  chil- 
dren established  themselves  at  Detroit.  Jacfjues,  Jr.,  married 
1747,  Louise  Adhemar  de  St.  IVIartiu;  his  caildren  were:  Chas. 
Joseph,  born  1749  ;  ]Marie  Angeli(iue,  born  1750,  married  1775, 
Francois  Gouin;  M  Louise,  born  1756;  Genevieve,  born  1751, 
married  1767,  Jean  Baptiste  Cainpeau. 

Francois,  who  received  the  title  of  dc  Marantay  (corrupted  into 
Marentette)  which  his  descendants  adopted  later  as  their  proper 
name.  He  married  Jeanne  Parent,  daughter  of  Laurent  and 
Jeanne  Cardinal;  their  children  were:  1.  Francois,  born  1756; 
2.  Angelique.  born  1757;  3.  Jacques  Francheville,  married  1795, 
Genevieve  Keaume,  daughter  of  Claude.  A  daughter  Jeanette, 
by  this  marriage,  married  Wm.  Macomb:  4.  Dominique,  married 
1796,  Marie  Louise  Archange  Navarre,  daughter  of  liobert,  Jr., 
and  Marie  Louise  de  Mersac;  5.  Laurent,  married  Marie  Louise 
Chesne  La  Butte,  daughter  of  Pierre  and  Marianne  Cuilhn-ier  de 
Beaubien.  whose  numerous  descendants  still  reside  at  Windsor 
and  Sandwich,  Canada,  whose  son  Pierre  married  Mile.  Groue. 
His  sons  are  all  noted  for  their  great  musical  gift,  and  reside  at 
Sandwich,  Canada. 


GODEFROY, 


This  name,  at  present  written  Godfroy,  is  among  the  oldest  in 
Normandy.  In  some  of  its  branches  there  is  a  tradition  of  a  des- 
cent from  Godefroi  de  Bouillon,  the  crusader.  In  the  chambers 
of  the  courts  of  Normandy  at  liouen,  we  find  many  of  the  names 
enrolled  among  the  "haute  noblesse."      Several  were  eminent  as 

friests  and  historians.  Denis,  Councillor  in  the  Parliament  of 
aris,  1580,  was  the  author  of  several  valuable  legal  works,  his 
son  Jacques  Was  Secretary  of  State  and  Svndic  of  the  Republic, 
his  grandson  was  made  historiographer  of  France,  in  1640,  and 
wrote  the  history  of  the  Constables  and  Chancellors  of  France.  A 
branch  of  this  family  resided  in  Normandy  in  1580,  whose  head 


300 


Legends  of  Le  Dei/roit. 


w 


w 


I  I ' 


• 


was  Pierre.  Ills  son  Jean  Bapte  came  to  Canada  about  1635. 
His  marriage  contract,  a  copy  of  whicli  is  before  the  writer,  is 
dated  Dec.  15,  163(5,  and  is  supposed  to  be  tlie  old(!st  one  record- 
ed in  Canada.  His  wife  wiis  Marie  Le  Neuf  de  Herison.  His 
sons  and  Icindred  were  enn()l)led  in  166'(  and  received  tlic  Selgneuru 
de  Linctot  and  the  fiefs  de  Norman»>dlle,  de  Vieux  Pont,  de 
Koguetiliadc,  de  Tonnancour,  de  Marbocif,  &c.,  &c.  A  sister 
of  Jean  Bapte,  Anne,  niiU'ried  Jacques  Teslard  de  Montigny, 
wiiose  descendant  Jean  Bapte  IMontigiiy  d(  Louvigny,  commanded 
at  Detroit,  married  there  a  d.  of  Lt.-Gov.  Hay  and  Julie  Keaume, 
another  Pierre  Testard  de  Fortville  married  Catherine  Chesne,  of 
Detroit.  Kene  de  Tonnancour,  of  Three  Rivers,  was  Procureur 
du  Roi,  Lt.-Gen.,  &c.  His  branch  was  at  one  time  verj-^  promi- 
nent, and  several  of  its  members  were  decorated  with  the  Cross  of 
St.  Louis,  Maurice  being  among  the  last  to  receive  it  in  1784.  The 
old  cliurch  at  Three  Rivers,  richly  endowed  by  the  Godefroys, 
still  has  the  arms  of  this  family  superbly  curved  on  the  Banc 
d'Oeuvres. 

In  1715  Pierre  Godefroy  de  Roguetiliade,  grandson  of  Jean 
Bapte  de  Linctot,  came  to  Detroit.  He  was  followed  shortly 
.afterwards  by  Jacques  Godefroy  de  Marboeuf.  In  1750,  Jean 
Bapte  Godefroy,  called  the  Chevalier,  came  to  Detroit  with  his 
wife,  Jeanne  Veron  de  Grandmenil,  and  died  there  in  1756. 
Pierre  and  Jacques  both  married  into  the  same  family.  Jacques 
married  1716,  Marie  Cnesne  St.  Onge.  Pierre  married  1724, 
Catherine  Sanduge,  and  his  step-daughter  married  Charles  Chesne 
St.  Onge.  Like  others  of  the  name  they  were  interested  in  the 
fur  trade,  which  was  originally  a  monopoly  carried  on  by  a  com- 
pany called  the  Hundred  Associates,  and  later  by  the  Companie 
des  Indes.  As  early  as  1687,  it  was  said  that  25,000  beaver  skins 
alone  were  exported  from  Quebec  in  a  single  ship.  The  immense 
destruction  of  fur  bearing  animals  led  to  the  extension  of  the 
trading  posts  to  the  far  west.      Pierre's  line  died  out. 

The  children  of  Jacques  were:  Catherine,  b.  1717,  at  Three  Rivers, 
named  from  her  godmother,  (/alherine  Godefroy  de  Roguetiliade, 
married  Nov.  21st,  1733,  the  Clievalier  Alex,  Trotier  desRuisseaux, 
of  an  illustrious  family.  He  was  the  first  trustee  of  Ste.  Anne's 
and  first  Capt.  of  Militia.  The  witnesses  of  thi|  marriage  were  :  De 
Noyelle  Jommander  of  the  Post;  Le  Gardeur'ie  Courtemanche, 
Lt.  of  ?,  .rines;  Sieurs  Chas.  and  Pierre  Chesne;  Louis  Campeau; 
Barrois,  Beaubien,  Alexis  Bienvenu  Delisle.  In  1777  she  died,  and 
she  is  recorded  as  the  daughter  of  the  deceased  nobleman  Godefroy 
de  Marboeuf;  this  is  the  last  time  that  the  title  is  mentioned; 
Angeliqua,  born  1719,  married  Jan.  8th,  1736,  Zacharie  Oicotte,  a 
wealthy  merchant  ;  the  marriage  contract  is  given  under  the 
Cicotte  family;  the  witnesses  of  the  marriage  were  :  Hughes 
Pean,  Chevalier  of  St.  Louis,   Pierre  Chesne  La  Butte,  Francois 


II' 


Early  French  Families. 


301 


ux, 
ne's 
De 
die, 
111 ; 
md 
roy 
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the 
lies 
cois 


Prejent,    Dagneaiix   Douville,   Jean  Bapte   Chapoton;    Jacques, 
born  1722,  was  very  young  at  tlie  time  of  his  parents'  death,  and 
was  brought  up  by  Ids  eldest  sister,  Catherine  des  Kuisseaux. 
Like  his  father  he  was  interested    in  the  fur  trade.      He   was 
thoroughly  familiar  with  the  Indian  tongues;  and  exerting  great 
influence  with  the  chiefs,  by  reason  of  his  bravery  and  family  con- 
nections,   he   soon   became    widely  known    as    interpreter  and 
negotiator  between  the  savages  and  whites.     He  was  ensign  in  his 
brother-in-law's,  Alexis  des  Kuisseaux,  (lompany.  After  the  fall  of 
Quebec,  Detroit   was   ceded    to  the  English.      Pontiac   was  at 
first  disi)osed  to  resist  the  newcomers,  an(l  had  he  been  aided  by 
the  French  settlers  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  coiujuest  of  the 
country  would  have  been  effected,     but  they,  relying  upon  the 
promises  made  in  the  treaty  that  all  (heir  rights  would  bo  re- 
spected, no  resistance  was  made,  and  the  garrison  under  Mons.  de 
Bellestre  surrendered,  and  were  escorted  to  Philadelphia,  leaving 
the  French  settlers  at  the  mercy  of  the  English  troops.      French 
accounts  say  that  in  the  face  of  the  treaty  they  were  robbed  of 
their  property,  deprived  of  tbeir  lire-arms,  leaving  them  without 
defence  against  the  Indians.      It  is  not  to  be  wondered  that  bitter 
feelings  were  engendered,  and  the  English  commanders,  ignorant 
for  the  most  part  of  the  French  and  Indian  languages,  were  sus- 
picious of  coiLstant  plottings  against  them.     It  is  a  matter  of  sur- 
prise that  the  settlement,  aided  by  their  old  Indian  allies  did  not 
exterminate  the  English  garrison,  and  their  conduct  under  the  cir- 
cumstances is  a  convincing  proof  that  the  characteristic  honor 
and  loyalty  claimed  for  them  existed  in  the  highest  degree.     In 
1763,  the  liaughty  Ottawa  warrior,  who  could  no  longer  brook 
the  arrogance  of  the  British,  attacked  the  fort  at  Detroit  and  the 
other  English  posts.     Jacques  and  Dr.  Chapoton  were  sent  by  the 
English  (;ommander    to  parley  with  Pontia(!   and   endeavor  to 
dissuade  him  from  his  purpose,  but  tlie  savage  chieftain  would  not 
be  influenced.     Jacques  and  other  prominent  French  inhabitants 
were  suspected  of  encouraging  Pontiac,  and  on  the  advent  of 
General  Bradstreet,  they  were  arrested  and  charged  with  treason. 
In  1758,  Jacques  married  Louise  Clotilde  Chapoton,  daughter  of 
Jean  Chapoton,  Surgeon  in  the  French  army.     She  died  in  1764, 
leaving  one  son,  Jacques  Gabri(5l.    Jacques  devoted  the  remainder 
of  his  life  to  the  carfflbf  his  son,  and  the  rebuilding  of  his  fortune, 
which    had   suffered   since  the    English    conquest.     He    figures 
prominently  in    many  of    the  Indian  transfers  of  land.    In  the 
American  State  papers  is  a  curious  deed  in  French  from  Jacques 
Godefroy  to  his  son  conveying  to  him  farming  lands,  implements, 
cattle,  silver  and  slaves.     The  laud  conveyed  comprised  the  tract 
between  20th  and  22nd  streets  from  the  river  to  some  three  nnles 
back,  some  of  which  is  still  owned  by  his  descendants.     He  died 
in  1795.    He  evidently  was  very  popular  and  generous,  for  he 


«)  I 


'f 


302 


legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


h'     1 


II 


w 


pi 

Iiji: 


ir- 


%^: : 


Ir  !.J ; 


k 


seems  to  Imve  been  for  several  years  f!;o(l  father  to  almost  every 
child  that  was  horn,  for  pages  of  haptisnis  on  the  records  have  his 
namealHxcd,  in  his  stronu;,  bold  handwrilinij. 

Jacques  Gabriel,  born  1758.  within  Fort  Ponchartrain.  He  was 
.named  Gabriel  from  his  ^  athcr  and  uncle,  Gabriel  Le  Grand, 
Chevalier  de  Sinlre.  Aboui  the  time  lu;  came  of  age  the  American 
revolution  was  in  progress.  Thongli  the  colony  was  far  removed 
finin  the  scene  of  war, Gabriel's  sympathies  were  with  the  colonists. 
His  early  years  were  spent  in  exteiuUng  tiie  fur  trade  and  establish- 
ing trading  posts  on  a  large  st^ale  from  Monroe  to  Fort  Vincennes; 
the  firm  of  Godfroy  &  lieaugrand  was  one  of  the  largest  and  best 
known  in  the  West.  After  the  American  possession  he  received 
an  appointment  as  sub-agent  and  depuly-superintendent  of  Indian 
ulTairs  from  Gen.  Harrison  (afterwards  president  of  the  U.  S.). 
The  rec(>rds  which  have  been  preserved  of  his  success  in  negotia- 
tions with  the  Indians  are  abundant,  and  he  retained  the  position 
xinlil  his  death  in  1882.  The  ordinary  duties  were  to  repair  to 
any  post  where  diflicullies  might  arise,  and  to  reclaim  from  mau- 
rading  Indians  stolen  property,  to  pay  the  Indian  annuities  and 
to  receive  at  his  house  all  Indians  who  might  arrive.  Gabriel  was 
Major  of  the  1st  Regiment  of  the  Territory ;  on  the  resignation  of 
Augustus  H.  Woodward  was  made  Colonel.  He  married  Angelique 
de  Couture,  by  Avho  n  he  had  live  children;  Gabriel,  Jr.,  married 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Hon.  Jas.  May;  his  descendants  reside  at 
Orand  Kapids;  Jean  Uaptiste  settled  at  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.  In 
1796  Gabriel  married  Therese  Douaire  de  Bond}^  by  whom  he  had 
several  children.  He  died  in  1831.  He  was  one  of  the  few  who 
lived  under  French,  English  and  American  rule  in  the  same  place, 
.and  saw  a  change  of  flags  five  times.  He  married  a  third  time 
Monique  Campau,  by  whom  he  had  no  issue. 

Those  by  his  second  wife  were:  1.  Susanne,  born  1794,  married 
Jas.  McCloskey.  Her  children  were:  Henry,  married  Iher^se 
Soulard.  of  St.  Louis;  Elizabeth,  married  lion.  Isaac  P.  Chris- 
liancy;  Caroline,  married  Mr.  Calwell;  Susanne,  married  Mr. 
Morton,  brother  of  the  late  Julius  Morton,  of  Detroit;  Melinde, 
married  John  Askin.  of  Sandwich,  Canada. 

2.  Pierre,  "Le  Prince"  as  he  was  generally  called,  was  born 
1796.  He  removed  the  last  remnant  of  the  Indians  about 
Detroit  to  their  reservation  in  the  far  West.  He  was  active 
.and  enterprising,  and  the  tirm  of  P.  &  J. Godfroy  was  well  known. 
He  married  Marianne  Navarre  Marenlette,  daught<r  of  Dominique 
Oode  de  Marentette  and  Archange  Louise  Navarre;  she  and  her 
sister,  Mrs.  De  Quindre  (afterwards  Mrs.  Wm.  B.  Hunt),  were 
considered  the  most  beautiful  women  in  the  Territory.  It  is  a 
family  tradition  that  Prince  Godfroy  once  won  a  wager  by  pad- 
dling himself  in  a  wheelbarrow  across  the  Detroit  river  to  visit  his 
fiancee,  who  lived  on  the  Canadian  shore,  a  feat  quite  as  difficult 


Early  French  Fam'diea. 


303 


as  Leander  swimniing  tlie  Hellespont,  and  no  less  romantic.  The 
children  of  tills  union  were:  1.  .lucqiujs  William;  2.  Klizahcth,  mar- 
ried John  Watson;  ;j.  Fniidclin  Appolonaire,  dledyouiij.?;  4,  Melon- 
nie  Therese,  diedyounji;;  5.  Caroline  Anne;  6.  Aiexantlrino  Louise, 
married  Tlieo.  Parsons  Hall;  7. Charles  (-ass;  8.  Nancy,  married 
Joseph Visgar,  a  name  well  known  in  the  early  days  of  the  territory; 
4.  Josette,  married  1831,  John  Stnythe,  son  of  Col.  Richard  Smytlie 
and  Prudence  Brady,  of  Le.xinglon,  Ky.  After  his  death  she 
became  a  mm,  and  died  whil.Nt  Suj)erior  of  the  Order  of  the 
Immaculate  Heart  of  Mary.  5.  Jaccpies  H.  was  educated  at  Bards- 
town,  Ivy.;  he  studied  law  but  abandoned  the  profession  of  it  on 
■account  of  ill  health.  He  was  a  partner  for  many  years  in  the 
firm  of  P.  &  J.  Godfroy.  He  married,  1830  Vict  oire,  daughter 
of  Col.  Francois  Navarre,  of  Monroe.  He  died  in  1847,  leaving  a 
large  family:  Jacques  Louis  Columbus,  married  Sarah  l)e  Quindre; 
Ceicstine,  married  Mr.  Waldrulf;  Frederick;  Alexandrine.  Hilaire; 
Philippe;  Victoire;  Augustus;  Marie;  Zoe,  married  Benjamin 
Abbott,  son  of  Robert,  Auditor-General  and  Treasiuerof  theTerri 
tory  of  Michigan;  Sophie,  married  James  Whipple,  son  of  Major 
John  Whipple,  U.  S.  A. ;  6.  Richard,  married  Anne  Villier  dit 
St.  Louis,  by  who  he  had  a  rage  family. 


Note. — VH,ef.  Fief  is  an  estate  held  and  possessed  on  condition 
•of  fealty  homage  and  cei'tain  rights  payable  generally  by  the  new 
possessor  to  the  Lord  or  Seigneur  by  whom  the  flef  is  held;  these 
rights  are  QKVii  and  Relief.  The  Quint  is  the  fifth  part  of  the 
purchase  money,  and  must  be  paid  by  the  purchaser,  lieliefis  the 
xevenue  of  one  year  due  to  the  Seigneur  for  certain  mutations.  If 
a  fief  came  to  a  vassal  by  succession  in  the  direct  line,  there  was 
nothing  due  the  Seigneur  but  fealty  and  homage;  but  if  in  the 
•collateral  line,  then  a  fine  was  paid  to  the  Seigneur  upon  taking 
the  estate  which  had  lapsed  or  fallen  by  the  death  of  the  last  ten- 
ant. Fiefs  were  divided  by  the  "Contume  de  Paris"  into  two 
kinds:  1st,  those  held  nobly;  2d,  those  held  by  villainage.  The 
estates  held  nobly  are  the  fiefs,  and  Franc  Alen  noble.  The 
estates  held  by  villainage,  were  held  subject  to  cens  or  ceiisive,  and 
Franc  Alen  villain.  Franc  Alen  was  a  freehold  estate  held  sub- 
ject to  no  seigneurical  rights  or  duties,  acknowledging  no  lord, 
but  the  king.  Censive  was  an  estate  held  in  the  feudal  manner, 
charged  with  a  certain  annual  rent  which  was  paid  by  the  pos- 
sessor of  it;  it  consisted  of  money,  grain,  fowls,  etc.  It  was  thus 
that  most  of  the  habitants  in  Canada  held  their  farms.  The  "  loda 
etventes,"or  fines  of  alienation,  were  one-half  part  of  the  pur- 
chase money,  and  were  paid  by  tlie  purchaser  on  all  mutations  of 
property  "en  roture"  to  the  Seigneur  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
^uint  was  paid  upon  mutations  of  fiefs.  The  succession  to  fiefs 
was  different  from  that  of  property  held  "en  roture"  or  by  vil- 


M 


"fit  I 

in      ! 


ll'.' 


I 


"  m 


I  i< 


It  ■; : 


^ 


304 


LegpMih  of  Le  Detroit. 


luinago.  Tho  eldest  son  took,  by  ri^ht,  the  principal  manorhoiise- 
or  chiiteau,  iind  llie  yuni  udjoinin'.':  it;  also  an  a(Tc  of  the  garden 
joining?  it.  If  tliere  were  any  inilis,  ovens  or  presses  within  the 
Hcigneiu'ce.  they  belonged  to  the  eldest  son;  but  the  protits  arising 
from  tiie  mills,  ovens  and  presses,  if  common,  were  ecpially 
divided  among  the  heirs.  When  there  were  only  two  heirs,  the 
eldest  took,  besides  the  manor  house,  etc.,  two-thirds  of  the  fief, 
and  the  youngest  son  the  other  third.  Hut  wlien  then;  were  more 
than  two  liciis,  the  eldest  son  took  one-half,  and  tlu;  other  heirs 
the  remaining  half.  When  only  daughters  wen;  the  heirs,  the  lief 
was  e(iually  divided  among  them.  If  the  eldest  son  died,  the 
next  did  not  succeed  to  his  birth  rights;  the  estate  WU8  then 
eciuully  divided  among  the  heirs. 

GOUIN. 


This  family  was  allied  to  the  most  distinguished  of  Canada. 
Mathurin,  boVn  1638,  son  of  Vincent  and  Charlotte  Gaultier,  dio- 
cese de  Poitiers,  married  1663,  at  Three  liivers,   Canada,  Marie 
Madeleime  Vien,  daughter  of  Etienne  and  Marie  l)enot  de  la  Mar- 
tinit're;  their  children  were:     Thomas,  born  1667;    Pierre,   born 
1679;  Lo\iis,  married  1720,  Jeanne  Marchand  ;   Joseph,  married 
1701,  Marquerite  Hoy,  daughter  of  Michel  Koy  Chatellereau  and 
Frangoise   Ilobbe,  Diocese  of  Poitiers  (France);  Marianne,    mar- 
ried   1703,  Francois  Trotier,    son  of  Antoine    Trotier  Sieur  des- 
Ruisseaux    and  Catharine   Lefebvre.      Claude  Thomas,   son  of 
Joseph  and  Marguerite  Gouin,  established  himself  at  Detroit,  and 
married  there  in  1742,  Josette  Cuillerier  de  Heaubien,  by  whom 
he  had  the  following  children:    Joseph  Nicolas,  born  1746,  mar- 
ried 1771,  Elizabeth  Rivard ;  Francois,  born  1748,  married  1775, 
Angelique  Gode,  daughter  of  Jacques  and  Louise  de  St.  Martin;. 
Claude  Pierre,    born    1751 ;    Judith,    born   1763,   married   1783, 
Philippe  Chabert  de  Joncaire,  son  of  the  Chevalier  Daniel  Chabert 
and    Marguerite    Ursule   Elizabeth    Rocbert  de  la  Morandi&re; 
Claire,  married  Jean  Marie  Beaubieu,  son  of  Jean  Bapte Cuillerier 
de  Beaubien  and  Marianne  Lothman  de  Barrois.    Joseph  Nicolas, 
married  1771,  Eliza  Rivard,  whose  children  were:     Charles,  born 
1778,  married  1808,  Elizabeth  Descomptes  Labadie,  daughter  of 
Alexis  (Badi)  and  Frangoise  Robert;  he  was  very  prominent,  was 
chief  surveyor  under  the  British  rule;   Pierre,  born  1780,  married 
Irene  Rivard,  daughter  of  Jean  Bapte  and  Irene  Beaufait.     Joseph 
Nicolas,  married  again  in  1790,  Archange  Boyer — the  daughter 
by  this  marriage  was  Colette  (Clotilde),  who  married  in  1809, 
Antoine  St.  Bernard,  and  in  1818,  Dominique  Riopelle,  thus  unit- 
ing the  large  landed  interests  of  the  Gouin  and  Riopelle  families. 
A  son  of   Dominique  Riopelle  married  again  into  the  Gouin 
family,  (the  branch  which  settled  at  Sandwich,  Canada.) 


Early  French  FamUies. 


305 


liOTHMAN  DE  BABBOIS. 


Many  Frciicli  fiimilicH  of  to-day  cluiin  unions  their  ancestors  a 
IvOthinnn  de  Jinrrois.  Anloinc;  Lollnnan  de  Harrois  was  vent  to 
America  in  KKi"),  as  Secretary,  Councillor  and  Ancnt  (Jencral  of 
the  Kast  India  Company,  lie  was  also  inU-rpreter  of  tlic  I'orlu- 
guesu  ]an,t!;ua.u;e.  lie;  was  the  son  of  Jean  and  Marie  Fournel, 
Chantel  Ic  Clialeau,  Ditx-esc  de  Hurges,  Berry.  lie  married,  1(572, 
Marie  Le  W\\\  whose  family  was  a  very  distiii;j;nislied  one.  Slie 
was  a  niece  of  .Jeanne  i.c  Her  (1(!  Senmenville,  wliose  life  lias  been 
written  by  the  Historian  Al)be  Faillon.  A  branch  of  the  Le  P>er 
returned  to  France,  and  tlie  descendants  all  aicjuircd  fame  and 
wealth.  One  was  a  pa<z:c  to  .Madame  la  Dauphine,  another  a  j;al- 
lant  otliccr,  killed  on  tlie  Held  of  .Ma.ijjenta.  The  Ch(!valier  IJcm- 
voist,  through  his  mother,  bcloni-cd  to  tlie  Le  Ber  fannly.  Francois 
Lothman  and  Marie  Le  Ber  liad  several  children,  amonsj^  them 
were:  Marianne,  born  1080,  married  1G97,  Francois  Houdoin; 
Philippe,  born  1072;  Francois,  born  107(5.  married  at  Detroit  1717, 
Marianne  Sauvaji;e;  Cliarles.  born  1078;  Antoine,  born  1083. 
Francois,  born  1070,  married  Marianne  Sauva<^e,  and  established 
himself  at  Detroit — their  children  were:  Marie,  born  1719,  mar- 
ried 17:34.  Robert  Navarre,  the  Sub-Intendant  and  Royal  Notary, 
and  is  the  ancestress  of  the  Navarres;  Louise,  born  1722,  married 
1730,  Pierre  Chesne  La  Butte,  the  interpreter;  Catherine,  born 
1727,  married  1747,  Pierre  de  St.  Cosme,  who  was  one  of  the 
earliest  Justices  of  Peace.  One  of  the  daughters,  Theotiste 
St.  Cosme,  marrieil  in  1770,  Philippe  De  Jean,  son  of  Philippe, 
Councillor  and  Senechal  of  Toulouse  and  Jeanne  De  Roque.  De 
Jean  was  a  Judge  under  Enlish  rule.  A  great  grand-daughter  of 
Pierre  St.  Cosme  became  the  first  wife  of  Jud^e  Jas.  May.  Cath- 
erine married  again,  Antoine  Cuillerier  de  fieaubieu,  by  whom 
she  had  many  children.  Antoine,  born  1733;  Agathe,  born  1735, 
married  Jean  Bapte  Reaume,  son  of  Hyacinthe  and  Agathe  de 
Lacelle;  Laurent,  married  1757,  Catherine  Cecyre. 


MOBAND. 


The  descendants  of  this  family  are  very  ably  represented  to-day 
in  Detroit.  Pierre,  its  founder  in  America,  was  horn  at  Batiscaa 
in  1651,  married  Madeleine  Grimard  1078.  His  branch  is  fre- 
quently known  as  Morand  dit  Grimard,  it  being  then  customary 
to  add  the  mother's  family  name,  especially  if  she  brought  a  large 
dower  to  her  husband.  Of  this  marriage  many  children  were 
born  whose  descendants  in  Canada  were  noted  as  clergymen, 
lawyers,  and  landed  proprietors.  Jean  Bapte,  a  son  of  Pierre's, 
married  1707,  Elizabeth  Dubois,  at  Quebec,  whose  son,  Charles 
Morand  Grimard  came  to  establish  himself  at  Detroit  some  time 
20 


r 


i' 


1^^      ; 

H    1 


iM 


I 


306 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit, 


lu'forc  tlu!  Enfj;lish   CoiKincst  in  17<!0.     Tlicn;  was  nt  tlmt  tiiiuj 
nnolluT  lii'iinch  of  the  same  faii)ily,  who  settled  tit  Detroit;  iiiiolhei* 
ClnnlcH,    who  married  in   1751,    Caliierine  Helleperehe.   who  hi!- 
longv'd  to  tlie  eelehiated  Coidllard  and  (JiiyoM  De  liuisson  tiiii\ily, 
thus  oloHely  allied  to   I^a  Mothe   Cadillac's  wife;   their   children 
W(!ro:     Loins.  Ijorii  175(5;  Charles,  hoin  ^755;  .loM'ph,  born  170'i, 
married  17Si(>.  Catharine  Hoyce;    Ijouiso  md  'riierese,  l)orn  1^(19; 
IVIaurice,  horn  1775,  married  IHOO,  Felise  iMeloclKt;    Marthe,  nnir- 
ried   IHOO,    Louis   Campeau;    iSusanne,     married    1H()5,   Francois 
Campeau,  son  of  .lean    Hapte.     ('has.  .Morand-Clriniaid,  married 
in  1707,   iManpierite  Simard  Tremhiay,    whose    family   ])ossessed 
the  Seiirncurie  du  Treml)lay  as  early  as  1081.     She  died  in    1771, 
leaving   two   ciiildren  :     Louis,    l)orn    170J>;  Charles,  born  1770. 
Louis,  married  1794.  Catherine  (;ami)eau,  dau<ihter  of  .lean  Hapte 
and  Catherine  IJoyce.     One  of  his  sons,  (George),  married  1S26, 
Therese  Tiemblay,  whose  (h-escendants  reside  al  Grosse    l*oint(!. 
Charles,  married  1794,  Catherine  Vessier  dit  Laferte,  whose  only 
child  was  the  late  Jiidge  Clias.  j\Iorand.     Charles,  Jr.,  married 
18^2,  Julie  De  Quindre,  daugliter  of  Antoine  Daigneaux  Douvillc 
Dc  tjuiudre  and  Catherine  des  Rivieres  de  la  Moranddiere.      The 
ciiildren  were:    1.  ^latilda,  marricnl  James  Watson;    2.  Charles; 
3.  Julie,  married  Lsaae  Toll;    4.  Virginie,   married   Francis  St. 
Auhin  ;    5   Mary  Josephine,  married  Robert  i\lix,  of  Cleveland, 
O.,  Aug.  3rd,  18:30;  Judge  Chas.  Moran   married  Justine  IMcCor- 
mack.of  N.Y.,l)y  whom  he  had  the  following  children:  1.  James, 
died  unmarried;    2.  William  B.,  married  1872,  Elise,  daughter  of 
James    J.     Vandyke,    in    1875,     Frances,     daughter    of    Pierre 
Desnoyers.     His  administratire  faculty,  his  successful  land  oper- 
ations have  placed  him  in  tlie  foremost  rank  of  Detroit  capitalists. 
3.  Jolin  V'allie,  married  1880,  EmiuaKtheridge,  daughter  of  tlie  (iis- 
tinguished  orator  and  politician,  Emerson  Elheridge,  of  Tennessee. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  of  Detroit,  and  his 
sterling  personal  worth  has  made  him  deservedly  popular;  4.  Cath- 
erine,married  1877,Henry  D.  Harnard. of  Hartford, Conn. ;  5.  Alfred 
is  a  lawyer,  and  in  parlnersliip  with  his  brother,  Wni.  B.  Moran. 
He  married,  1878,  Satilda  Butterfield.     Judge  Chas.  Moran  died  in 
1870,  leaving  the  most  valuable  estate,  with  the  exception  of  the 
Brush  and   Campau,  in  Detroit.     Charles  inherited  this  magnifi- 
cent   property  from  his  grandfather,    Charles  Moran  Grimard. 
The  family  dropped  the  d  at  the  end  of  the  name,  and  also  the 
title  Grimard  about  1790.     To  the  peculiar  conservatism  of  the 
French  settler  to-day,  so  frequently  and  unjustly  misunderstood, 
are  their  descendants  indebted  for  the  preservation  of  their  ances- 
tral estates;   5.  A  brief  glance  at  the  early  history  of  Detroit  will 
convince  the  candid  and  unbiased  reader,  that  the  position  of  the 
habitants    during  the  various    political   changes  which  Detroit 
underwent  was  one  requiring  delicate  tact  and  diplomatic  ability. 


Early  French  Families. 


307 


Fivo  aiicrosnlvo  flaf^s  wiivorl  ovor  th(>  fair  "City  of  flu;  Straits." 
Otu!  form  of  (fovcrimujrit  had  scarcely  ciifonccf  its  laws  and  cx- 
plaiiuul  its  policy  before  It  vanished  and  siave  place  to  Hiiolhcir 
power.  A  disastrous  fire  destroyed  their  records.  It  is  not 
8tran!i;e  that  these  country-tossed  settlers  looked  with  suspicion 
und  indilTerence  upon  new  ideas  and  iniprovments,  their  experi- 
ence not  havinij^  faunht  them  to  place  much  confidence  in  the 
cxistinu:  orders  of  thin^^s.  Tlu;  old  tiaditional  Conservatism  has 
fulfille(l  its  mi.ssion,  und  handed  to  the  picsent  ireneration  valu- 
uhle  estates,  which,  under  the  propessive  management  and  en- 
lar^^ed  idens,  founded  u|)on  a  permanent  form  of  (jrovernment, 
will  hrinii;  not  oidy  princu-ly  revenues  to  its  owners,  but  be  later 
41  source  of  pride  to  tlie  city. 


NAVARRE. 


is- 
ee. 
ns 
til- 
ed 
ni. 
in 
the 
ifi- 
rd. 
the 
the 
)od, 


the 
roit 
ity. 


This  family  so  illustrious  in  the  early  days  of  the  colony  traces 
back  in  an  unbroken  line  to  Anloine  de  liourbon,  Duke  de  Ven- 
dome,  father  of  Henry  4th,  wliose  natural  son.  (1)  Jean  Navarre, 
married  l~u'2  Perette  IJarat;  (2)  his  son  Martin  Navarre  de  Villeroy 
married  loOJJ  .leaime  Lefebre,  who.se  son  (:{)  Jean  Navarn;,  mar- 
ried 1()'^;J,  Sus.inna  Le  Clef  ;  their  son  (4)  Antoine  Navarre,  du 
Plessis  en  liois,  married  166.'),  Marie  Lallemant,  whose  son  (5) 
Antoine  Marie  Fraiuiois  Navarre,  married  16Ur>,  Jeanne  Pluy(!lte, 
\vhos(!  (6)  Robert  Navarre,  was  sent  to  Fort  Pontchartrain  as 
Sub-Inteudant  and  Royal  Notary,  where  he  married,  17;M,  Marie 
Lothman  de  IJarrois,  his  son  Robert  (Robiste)  married,  1762, 
]\Iarie  Louise  Archange  de  Mersac,  whose  daughter  Archange 
Louisi!  married,  1790,  Dominiijue  Gode  de  Marantette,  who.se 
daughter.  Marianne  Navarre  married  1823,  Pierre  Godfrey. 
Antoine  Navarre  du  Plessis'  other  sons  remained  in  France,  and 
one  of  them  married  Catherine  de  la  Rue;  their  only  daughter 
married  Jean  Navarre  de  Livry  (her  first  cou.sin)  whose  daughter 
in  turn,  Marie  Jeunne  Navarre,  born  1709,  married  Jean  Louis 
Navarre  de  Maisonneu.se  (her  cousin)  brother  of  Mons.  de  Navarre, 
Maniuis  de  Longueioue,  whose  wife,  born  at  St.  Luce,  was  lady 
of  honor  (Dame  d'llonneur)  to  Madame  Elizabeth,  sister  of  Louis 
16th  of  France  and  the  Duchess  of  Bourbon.  Catherine  Antoin- 
ette, Jeanne  Martlne  Petronille,  remained  the  only  daughter  by 
the  death  of  her  tvv(j  sisters.  She  married  Louis  Francois  Margue- 
let  de  la  Noue,  from  whom  Genevieve  Celerie  Marguelet  de  la 
Noue,  eldest  sister  of  Madame  de  Fonteville,  espoii.sed  Count 
Leoud  Perthins,  whose  daughter  Marie  Celine  Leonetine  de 
Perthius,  espoused  Alex.  Jacques  Marie  Clement  de  Blavett, 
whose  son  Edward  married  Marie  Clement  le  Boulanger  de  Mont- 
igny,  whose  son  Count  Leon  Clement  de  Blavett  married  Isabel! 
do  Brossard,  de  Versaille,  France. 


ux 


308 


Legeoids  of  Le  Detroit. 


Robert  Navarre,  son  of  Ar.oine  Francois.  Marie  and  Jeanne 
Pliiyettc  came  to  Detroit  to  till  tlic  most  important  position  in  the 
colony.  He  was  responsible  to  no  one  save  the  Intendant  at  Que- 
bec. He  added  to  this  office  that  of  Royal  Notary.  Followinj^  an 
old  manuscript  copied  from  the  Cubiiiet,  a  scarce  periodical  issued 
at  New  York.  1837-1881.  Robert  de  Navarre  came  to  America  and 
landed  at  Qiiebec.  He  was  of  a  noble  French  family,  a  man  of  ex- 
tensive erudition,  was  appointed  under  the  French  government  sub- 
deleque  and  Roy;d  Notary  at  Detroit.  He  jnarried  there  in  1734,  Ma- 
rie Ijothmande  Barrois.  At  the  marriage  were  present  Hughes  Pean, 
Seigneur  de  Livandiere,  Hereditary  Mayor  of  Quebec,  Chevalier 
of  8t.  Louis,  ComniiUKlant  of  Fort  Pontchartrain,  Pierre  Gode- 
froy  de  Uoqueltliade,  Duburron,  Ensign,  Daigneaux  Douvilleand 
Chas.  Chesne,  Bonaventure  Ptre.  Robert  Navarre's  children  were:. 
(1)  Marie  Francoise.  born  1735,  married  Geo.  McDougali,  Lt.  in 
the  British  Army,  by  whom  she  had  two  sons,  Jean  Robeit  and 
George.  In  1774  she  married  Jacques  Campeau,  father  of  Joseph 
and  Barnabe,  by  whom  she  had  no  heirs,  but  Barnabe  in  1820 
married  her  granddaughter,  Archange  McDougali,  whose  son& 
■were  Alexander  and  the  late  Barnabe. 

(3)  JNIarianne,  born  1737,  married,  1760,  Jacques  Adhemar  S*. 
Martin,  frequently  called  La  Butte,  a  most  celebrated  interpreter. 
They  lived  in  the*  old  Cass  House,  which  was  the  St.  Martin  home  • 
stead,  the  ground  being  deeded  to  him  in  1750.  St.  Martin  died  a. 
1766,  leaving  a  young  widow  with  three  children  :  (1)  St.  Martin, 
who  died  nnmarried;  (3)  Finon  who  married  Philip  Fry;  (3)  Arch- 
ange, born  1765,  married  August  Mcintosh,  who  later  on  inherited 
the  estates  which  belonged  to  th  ^^^arldom  of  Moy,  the  Earldom 
itself  having  been  forfeited  in  the  reoellion  against  the  House  of 
Hanover.  The  jMcIntosh  homestead  was  on  the  Canadian  shore  op- 
posite Belle  Isle,  and  was  celebrated  along  Le  Detroit  for  the  prince- 
ly and  lavish  hospitality  of  its  genial  owner.  Ten  children  were 
born  to  Angus  Mcintosh,  the  boys  returned  to  Scotland  to  take 
possession  "of  their  estates.  Two  of  the  daughters  were  much 
loved  and  esteemed  in  Detroit,  Mrs.  Henry  J.  Hunt  and  Mis» 
Catherine  Mcintosh.  In  1770,  Marianne  Navarre  widow  of  St, 
Martin,  bestowed  her  hand  upon  Dr.  Geo.  Christian  Ajithon  who 
had  come  to  Detroit,  in  1760,  with  Mayor  Rogers.  Sho  Med  Oct, 
11th,  1776,  leaving  no  heirs  by  Anthon. 

Robert,  eldest  son  of  Robert.  Sr.,  surnamedRobishc  ti>'^Spea"cer, 
was  born  in  1739.  He  married,  1763,  Louise  Archange  uj  I'lersac, 
daughter  of  Francois  and  Charlotte  Bourassa.  Another  Charlotte 
Bourassa,  a  cousin,  married  in  1760,  Chas.  de  Langlade,  the  pioneer 
settler  of  Wisconsin,  whose  family  belonged  to  that  of  the  Count  of 
Paris.  To  Robishe  was  deeded  by  the  Pottawatomies,  their  village, 
which  was  on  a  beautiful  eminence  commanding  a  fine  view  and 
which  even  then  was  pronounced  by  them  in  "  Ancient  Village," 


1  i 


5, 


Early  French  Families. 


309 


re  op- 
rince- 


■"We  the  chiefs  of  the  tribe  of  the  Pottawatomies  nation  at  Detroit 
liave  deliberated  and  given  of  our  own  free  will  a  piece  of  land  of 
four  arpents  in  width  by  the  whole  depth,  situated  at  our  ancient 
village  to  Robishe,  son  of  the  Scrivener.  We  give  him  this  land 
forever,  that  he  might  cultivate  the  same,  light  .'  fire  thereon, and 
take  care  of  our  dead,  and  for  surety  of  our  words  we  have  made 
our  marks."  Thi-  grant  was  ratified  by  Henry  Bassett,  command- 
ing at  Detroit,  July  15,  1772.  in  presence  of  Geo.  jVIcDougall.  On 
one  of  Navarre's  quit  rent  receipts  it  is  stated  that  this  tract  was 
confirmed  by  Gen.  Gage.  Hobishe  resided  on  liis  land  and  in  the 
house  known  to-day  as  the  Brevoort  homestead.  It  was  later 
enlarged  by  Conunodore  Brevoort  (Robishe's  son-in-law).  Kobishe 
was  the  great  great  grandfather  of  the  writer,  and  there  still  lives 
an  old  lady  who  remembers  him.  She  speaks  of  him  as  a  pre- 
eminently handsome  man,  with  coiu'tly  manners,  most  engaging 
and  charming  in  conversation.  He  was  blessed  like  all  the  French 
of  that  period,  with  an  excejjtionally  large  family:  (i)  Robert,  born 
1764:  (2)  Jacques,  born  1766,  he  settled  on  the  River  Raisin; 
(3.)  Francois,  born  1767,  early  removed  wnth  his  brother  Jacques 
and  Jean  Marie  to  Monroe,  where  twenty-six  arpents  had  been 
•deeded  to  the  Navarres  by  the  Ottawas.  Francois  was  Colonel 
•during  the  war  of  1812-13,  and  figures  most  conspicuously.  His 
house  was  the  headquarters  of  Generals  Wayne,  Winchester,  St. 
Clair  and  others.  Thirty-six  Navarres  served  in  his  regiment. 
He  was  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  peculiar  habits  and  war- 
fare of  the  savages,  and  spoke  with  facility  several  of  their  lan- 
guages. He  was  captured  at  Brownstown,  whither  he  had  gone 
ahead  of  Col.  Johnston  to  negotiate  with  the  Indians  ;  he  was 
taken  as  prisoner  to  Sandwich,  but  fortunately  escaped.  His  son 
Robert  served  under  Capt.  Richard  Symthe,  and  told  the  writer 
many  amusing  anecdotes  of  the  war.  The  only  French  pear  trees 
along  the  Raisin,  are  those  that  were  brought  there  by  Col, 
Navarre  from  his  father's  place  in  Detroit.  Francois  was  the  per- 
sonal friend  of  Wayne,  Winchester.  St.  Clair,  Cass,  jNIacomb  and 
Woodward,  and  his  correspondence  with  several  of  them  has  been 
preserved. 

4.  Isidore,  born  1768,  married  1795,  Francoise  Des- 
comptcs  Labadie,  daughter  of  Alexis  and  Francoise  Robert, 
Their  eldest  son  Isidore,  born  1795,  though  a  mere  stripling  served 
in  the  war  of  1812. 

He  married,  1790,  Marie  Suzord,  daughter  of  Louis  and  Marie 
Josette  Lebeau;  his  children  were:  Robert,  born  1792;  Francois, 
"born  1793;  Victoire,  married  1823,  Jacques  Godfrey,  sou  of  Col. 
<3abri(5l  and  Therc^se  Douaire  de  Bondy.  Agathe  was  exquisitely 
beautiful  ;  Julie  died  at  an  advanced  age  unmarried;  Monique 
married  John  Askin  eldest  son  of  Col.  James  Askia,  of  Sand- 
wich. 


PA  1 


310 


f ',1 
I'' 


\i'i 


! 
k 


; 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


5.  Archange  Louise,  born  1770,  married  1796,  Dominique- 
Gode  de  Marentette,  whose  daughters  were  :  Francoise 
Marie,  married  Col.  James  Asliin,  son  of  John,  Governor  of 
Michllimackinac  and  Archange  Bartlie;  Marianne  Navarre,  mar- 
ried Pierre  Godfroy,  son  of  Col.  Gabriel  and  Therese  Douaire  de 
Bondy;  Jeanne,  married  1st,  Timothy  De  Quindre,  son  of  An- 
toine  and  Catherine  des  Rivieres  de  la  Morandiere;  2nd  William 
B.    Hunt. 

6.  Charlotte  Soulange,  born,  1774,  married  Cajetau  Trem- 
blay;  Antoine  Freshet,  born  1772,  married  1800,  Madeleine- 
Cavallier.  He  served  with  distinction  during  the  war  of  1812. 
Jean  Marie,  born  1778,  named  from  his  uncle  ;  7.  Marianne,  born 
1780,  was  a  gieat  belle.  She  was  very  gifted,  possessing  line 
musical  ability  and  decided  talent  for  painting.  Cols.  Hamtramck 
and  Gratiot,  were  rival  suitors  for  her  favor,  both  pleaded  in  vain;, 
she  was  faithful  to  the  memory  of  a  former  lover  who  had  died 
suddenly.  Several  of  her  letters  have  been  preserved — the  stjle 
is  admirable,  the  handwriting  characteristic  and  beautiful. 

8.  Catherine,  namedafter  her  aunt  Catherine  Macomb,  born  1783, 
married  (^onunodore  Hemy  Brevoort,  of  Lake  Erie  fame,  and  a 
member  of  the  Brevoort  family  of  New  York.  The  children  of 
this  marriage  were:  John,  married  Marie  Navarre;  T?obert,  died 
young;  Anne,  married  Charles  Bristol;  Elias,  settled  in  New 
Mexico;  Henrj',  married  Jane,  daughter  of  Wm.  Macomb  and 
Jeannette  Francheville  de  ^MiMcntette,  who  left  three  sons:  Wm. 
Macomb,  who  fought  bravely  and  fell  in  battle  in  the  war  of  1800; 
Henry  Navarre.  Ex-prosecuting  ^Vttorney  of  Detroit;  Elias 
Thornton  connected  with  the  f-anada  Railroad.  9.  IMonique,  born 
1789,  was  the  first  wife  of  William  Macomb.  She  iidierited  the' 
traditional  loveliness  of  her  race,  and  added  among  other  accom- 
plishments, that  of  a  daring  and  superb  equestrienne.  She  died' 
young,  leaving  one  son  Navarre  ]\[acoml).  10.  Pierre,  born  1787, 
settled  at  the  mout'i  of  the  JMaumee  in  1807.  He  was  a  trusty 
scout  to  General  Harrison  during  the  war  of  1812.  His  thorough, 
knowledge  of  the  Indians  and  of  the  country  enabled  him  tO' 
render  many  important  services.  His  portrait  is  still  possessed  by 
his  descendants,  taken  at  the  age  of  seventy. 

4.  Francois  jNLarie,  born  1759,  nicU'ried  Marie  Louise,  daughter  of 
ReneGodere,  the  children  were:  Robert,  born  1782;  Jacques,  born 
1788;  Francois,  born  1790;  Archange,  born  1792;  Antoine,  born 
1790;  5.  Jean  Marie  Alexis,  born  1702,  married  1789,  Archange 
Gode;  Marie,  born  1793;  Alexis;  4.  Pluyette,  born  1742;  5.  Antoine, 
born  1745;  6.  Joseph,  born  1748,  died  young;  7.  Marie  Catherine^ 
born  1749,  died  young;  8.  Bonaventure  Marie,  born  1750,  died 
1704;  9.  Catherine,  born  1757,  married  Alexander  Macomb,  the 
great  land  speculator. 


Early  French  Families. 


311 


PELLETIEB. 


CT  of 

horn 
born 
lange 
nine, 
nine,, 
died 
the 


History  states  tliat  wlien  La  Motlie  Cadillac  landed  at  Detroit  he 
was  j,n'eeted  by  two  Coiirenrs  des  Hois,  Pierre  Roy  and  Francois 
Pelletier.  This  latter  name  stands  very  high  in  Canachi  and  is 
found  in  every  department  of  seietire  and  politics.  >»'i('olas  the 
flrist  of  the  name  came  from  Beance  (France)  and  tnarried  in  1G75 
Jeanne  Poussy.  Thev  settled  at  ir^orrel.  and  left  eight  children  to 
propagate  their  race.  The  eldest  son  Francois  married  Mai'gue- 
rite  jNIadeleine  Morrisseau  by  whom  he  had  ten;  one  of  them 
Marie  Angelique,  married  1709  Antoine  de  Gerlais,  she  was  the 
godchild  of  the  Baron  D'Avangour,  Gov.  of  Canada.  Her  brother 
Francois  married  1089  Madeleine  Thames  Dufresne,  daughtei-  of  a 
surgeon,  whose  son  Francois  Jean,  born  1681  at  Sorrel,  married 
1718,  Marie  Robert  at  Detroit,  who  afterwards  married  Louis 
Cami)eau.  A  brother  (Jean)  of  Francois,  who  married  Margue- 
rite Madeleine  Morrisseau,  married  in  16G2  at  Quebec,  Marie  Gen- 
eviC^ve  Manevely  de  Rainville,  daughter  of  Charles  and  Francoise 
de  Blanet,  de  Perche,  their  son  Jean  Francois  married  168.1  Gen- 
evieve Le  Ten(b-e,  who  was  godmother  for  Cadillar^'s  child,  the 
first  child  baptised  in  Detroit.  She  afterwards  married  Etienne 
Volant  de  St.  Claude.  Her  son  by  Pcilletier,  Jean  Francois  mar- 
ried at  Quebec  Catherine  Arnaud  with  whom  Cadillac  later  had 
so  much  trouble,  and  who  was  very  influential  at  the  Castle  St. 
Louis,  Quebec,  owing  to  his  powerful  family  connections. 

There  was  another  branch  of  Pelletier,  to  which  belonged 
Michel,  Sieur  de  la  Prade  and  Seigneur  de  Gentilly,  who  married 
1660  at  Champlain,  Jacqueline  Chamboy. 

Francois,  son  of  Francois  Antyat  married  1689  Madeleine 
Tluunes,  their  son  Jean  Bapte,  uorn  August  15,  1691  at  Sorrel, 
married  at  Detroit  1718,  ]\Iarle  Louise  Robert  whose  son  Jean 
Bapte  married  Marie  Cornet;  the  children  were:  J.  Bapte,  mar- 
ried 1769  Cath.  Yalle  dit  Versailles;  Therese.  married  1780  lean 
Bapte  Chapoton;  ]\Iarie  Josephette;  Jacques  Amable,  born  _  46; 
Francois,  born  1749;  Andre,  man-led  1768  Cath.  Meloche;  his  son 
J.  Bapte  married  1809,  Cath.  Williams  daughter  of  Thomas  Wil- 
liams and  Cecile  Campeau;  Jacques,  married  1778,  ^Madeleine  Le 
Vanneur  at  Quebec.  Thcjir  children  were:  1.  Archange.  born  1783 
named  after  her  godmother  Archange  Barthe.  wife  of  Jean  Askin 
Governor  of  ]Mac\inaw.  She  married  in  1800  iNIayor  John  AVhip- 
pleU.  S.  A.  son  of  Joseph  and  Eliza  Fairfield  of  ^Manchester,  Mass, 
The  children  of  this  union  blended  the  happier  traits  of  the  Puritan 
with  the  graceful  charms  of  the  dark-eyed  Norman  race:  I.Eu- 
nice Fairchlld  died  in  infancy;  2.  James  Burbick,  married  1812, 
Sophie  Godfrey,  daughter  of  Col.  Gabriel  and  Therese  Doualre 
de  Bondy;  3.  John  Porter;  4.  Charles  Whlley,  the  well  known 
lawyer  and  chief  justice  of  Michigan,  married  Marguerite  Ann 


312 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


|J    :  '     !3 


I'l' 


i» 


Brooks,  (lauffliter  of  Col.  Edward  Brooks,  U.  S.  A.,  and  Marsjue- 
rite  Anne  May.  5.  George  Askin  died  young-;  6.  Caroline  Hull  died 
unmarried  in  1878,  leaving  the  memory  of  a  mo.st  .saintly  life. 
7.  Anne  Hunt  married  Pierre  Desnoyers;  8.  Henry  Larned  married 
Caroline  Buckley,  of  Monroe.  Mieliigan.  His  beautiful  widow 
married  ^Mr.  Harvey  Mixer  and  resides  ut  Detroit.  Sylvia  Larned 
died  young. 

10.  Mary  Wolcott,  who  inherited  the  stately,  elegant  presence  of 
her  race  which,  added  to  fine  conversational  powers,  make  her  a 
very  interesting  companion.  11.  William  Lecuyer  married  Loui.se 
Fairchild,  he  inherited  his  father's  military  talents  and  served 
with  distinction  in  the  late  civil  war.  he  died  of  wounds  received 
in  war.  His  oidy  child,  Marie  Louise,  married,  1882,  Edgar,  son 
of  Alexander  Lewis.  She  died  in  the  flower  of  her  youth  and 
beauty,  universally  regretted.  12.  Eliza  Su.san  married  Charles 
Conaghan,  a  prominent  citizen  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  She  died  in 
1882  and  left  three  sons.  13.  Mai'garetta  Torrey  married 
Charles  Hyde  and  resided  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio;  14.  Catherine  So- 
phia married  Edwin  Skinner.  Their  children  were:  Henry 
Whipple  married  in  1877,  Mannie  Avery,  of  Detroit;  Edwin; 
Archange  married  1881,  Norton  Strong,  surgeon  in  the  U.  S. 
A.,  son  of  Norton  and  Ellen  Chapin,  of  Detroit;  Bernard;  2. 
Catherine,  born  1785,  died  unmarried;  3.  Charles  married  1806, 
Cecile  Marthe  Chapoton,  daughter  of  Louis,  whose  sister  Cath- 
erine married  Major  Antoine  De  Quindre,  a  daughter  by  this 
marriage,  became  the  wife  of  Louis  Beaufait;  a  son,  Charles,  mar- 
ried Eliza  Vameter  Cicotte,  daughter  of  Francois  and  Philis  Pet- 
tier, whose  children  are:  Marianne  married  Alex.  Chapoton,  Jr.; 
Charles,  a  prominent  insurance  agent  of  Detroit;  Helena;  Made- 
leine manned  Joseph  Belanger.  of  Canada,  a  branch  of  whose 
family  came  to  Detroit  as  early  as  1715.  He  is  well  known  in 
Detroit  and  deservedly  popular;  Agnes;  Marthe  married  Ferdi- 
nand Zehner;  4.  Antoine  married  1780,  Monique  Bienvenu  Delisle, 
one  of  the  oldest  families  in  Detroit;  5.  Felice  married  1811.  Peter 
Tallman,  Capt.  of  Artillery,  U.  S.  A.,  a  daugther  by  this  mar- 
riage. Marguerite  became  the  wife  of  (^apt.  Moyer,  of  the  British 
army.  In  181*)  she  married  Francois  Cicolte;  6.  Marianne  mangled 
Capl.  Johr  .eves  Semmes,  a  nephew  of  the  famous  jurist,  John 
Cleves  Semmens,  whose  daughter  Anna  married  President  Harris. 
Capt.  Semmes  served  with  gallantry  at  Fort  Erie.  He  created 
quite  a  sensation  in  1813  by  proponnding  the  theory  that  the  earth 
was  open  at  the  poles  and  tliat  the  interior  was  accessible  and 
habitable.  He  died  at  Hamilton,  Butler  County,  Ohio,  1828. 
His  descendants  reside  at  Cincinnati;  7.  Madeleine  married  John 
Askin  and  resided  at  Maiden,  Canada;  8.  Marguerite  married  Dr. 
Davis,  surgeon  in  the  U.  S.  A. 


:i< 


Early  French  Families. 


313 


BEATTM. 


This  family  counts  among  its  descendants  some  of  the  most 
•prominent  families  of  Canada  and  the  United  States.  Its  founder 
was  Rene,  born  1643,  son  of  Jean  and  Marie  Chevalier,  Diocese  of 
La  Rochelle,  who  married  at  Quebec.  1665,  Marie  Chevreau. 
They  had  a  large  family.  One  of  their  sons,  Robert,  born  1668, 
married  in  1696,  Elizabeth  Brunet,  two  of  whose  cliildren  came  to 
Detroit  in  1780.  Hyacinthe.  born  1704,  married  in  1733,  Agathe 
de  Lacelle.  Pierre,  born  1709,  married  in  1738,  Susanne  Hubert 
de  la  Croix. 

EI/^'SR  BllANCn. 

Hyacinthe  married  in  1733;  Agathe  de  Lacelle,  died  in  1778. 
Their  cliildren  were:  1.  Jacques,  born  1737;  3.  Joseph,  born  1739, 
married  in  1787,  Marianne  Robert;  3.  Jean  Baptiste,  born  1741, 
married  in  1763,  Agathe  Lothman  de  Barrois;  4.  Agathe  married 
in  1769,  Joseph  Poupart ;  5.  Catherine,  born  1745 ;  6.  Julie,  born 
1748,  married  Lieutenant  Governor  John  Hay,  she  died  1794, 
leaving  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  Two  of  her  sons  were  offi- 
cers in  the  British  army.  Her  daughter  Agathe  married  in  1790, 
Pierre  Montigny  de  Louvigny  Kniglit,  of  St.  Louis  ;  his  descend- 
ants occupied  prominent  positions  in  France,  one  serving  in  the 
body  guard  of  the  unfortunate  Louis  16th,  they  are  called  Hay  de 
Montigny;  7.  Charles;  8.  Marianne  married  in  1765,  Pierre 
Barron;  8.  Claude  married  in  1765,  Genevieve  Jaunisse;  his  chil- 
dren were  :  Jean  Baptiste,  born  1766;  Agathe,  born  1767;  Char- 
lotte, born  1768,  married  in  1795,  Jacques  Francheville  Gode  de 
Marautatte. 

YOUNGER  BRANCH. 

Pierre,  Hyacinthe's  brother  married  a  second  time  in  1738,  Sus- 
.anne  Hubert  de  La  Croix.  The  children  were:  1.  Charlotte,  born 
1738,  married  in  1760,  Lt.  Ciiarles  Deniau  de  Muy,  a  French 
officer,  whose  father  was  commandant  of  the  Post  Pontchartrain; 
2.  Susanne  married  in  1760,  Dupiiron  Baby,  eldest  son  of  Raymond 
:and  Ther^se  Dupre,  of  Montreal;  3.  Bonaventure  married  in 
1766,  Jeanne  Des  Hestres;  second,  1793,  Josette  Galignon  Ferton, 
whose  descendants  are  numerous;  4.  Veronique  married  Gabriel 
Le  Grand,  surgeon  in  the  French  army,  widower  of  Madeleine 
Chapoton. 

Louis  Reaume,  an  officer  in  the  British  army,  stationed  at  De- 
troit in  1780,  was  related  to  this  family;  he" married  in  1780, 
Marie  Charlotte  Barthe,  daughter  of  Pierre  and  Charlotte  Chapo- 
ton. He  was  killed  two  weeks  after  his  marriage,  leaving  a 
young  bride  of  seventeen,  who  afterwards  became  the  wife  of 
Louis  Descomptes  Labadie  (Badichon). 


314 


Legends  of  Le  Detroit. 


BIOPELLE. 


HJ' 


i 


^f 


■ 

m  >y 

' 

i''' 

11     *l 

a>'- 

i.    jb 

|:  ,-^ 

\\ 

W: 

A  branch  of  this  family  moved  to  Detroit  shortly  after  the 
English  conquest  in  1700.  The  descendants  acquired  much 
property  which  many  of  them  still  jiossess.  Piekhe.  son  oi 
Pierre  and  Marguerite  Dubois  of  St.  Denis,  Ol^ron,  was  the  iiead 
of  the  Riopelles  in  America.  He  married,  1087,  Matiie  Juijen, 
daughter  of  Jean  and  Madeleine  Guerin.  Their  children, 
were:  1.  Mauie  Madeleine,  B.  1088,  was  killed  by  a  camion 
ball;  2.  Baiihe,  B.  1090,  married  1787,  Jean  Dlrigoyen;  3.  Piek- 
RE,  B.  1091,  married  1718,  Marie  Anne  Mahew-Merchanl;  4. 
Louis,  B.  1093.  married  1718,  Ursule  Vesinat;  5.  Nicolas,  B. 
1090,  married  1721,  Marguerite  Garnaud;  0.  Mahianne,  B. 
1099,  married  1st,  1710,  August  in  Letartre,  !ind,  in  1731,  Jacques 
Sarcelier.  Ambhoise,  son  of  Pierre  and  Marie  Anne  Mahew-Mer- 
chant,  came  to  Detroit  and  married  there  in  1700  Ther^se  Cam- 
peau,  daughter  of  Antoine  and  Angeli(jue  Pelletier.  The  chil- 
dren of  this  union  were:  1.  Pierre,  B.  1707,  di  d  in  infancy;  2. 
Toussaint,  B,  1708;  3.  Pierre,  married  1808,  Monique  Bienvenu. 
DeMsle;  4.  Antoine,  B.  1770;  5.  Therc^se.  B.  1770,  died  unmar- 
ried; 0.  Elizabeth,  B.  1778,  married Methe;  7.  Hyacinthe, 

B.  1780,  married  1807  Fran9oise  Meloche,  in  1812  he'  married 
again,  Angelique  Douaire  de  Bondy;  8.  Archange,  B.  1784,  mar- 
ried John  Dix; 

9.  Dominique,  B.  1787,  married  1818,  Colette  (Clotilde)  Gouln, 
daughter  of  Nicolas  and  Archange  Boyer.  Colette  was  the' 
widow  of  Antoine  St.  Bernard.  She  was  universally  beloved, 
and  became  a  model  to  many  who  endeavored  to  imitate  her 
beautiful  and  virtuous  life.  One  boy  and  four  girls  were  the 
result  of  tills  union:  1.  Domique,  married  Elizabelh  Gouin.  His 
children  are  worthy  representatives  of  the  name  they  beai". 
One  of  them  is  a  member  of  the  Dfitroit  bar.  As  a  family  they 
possess  unusual  musical  talents.  One  of  the  daughters  is  a  most 
brilliant  pianist;  2.  Edesse,  married  Michel  G.  Paj'ment;  3. 
Nancy  became  a  nun;  4.  Angelique,  married  Fabien  Pelletier;. 
6.  Domitelle,  married Gouin. 


RIVARD. 

Among  the  earliest  marriages  which  were  celebrated  at  Fort; 
Pontcliartrain  is  that  of  Francois  Fafard  dit  Dclorme,  the  inter- 
preter, and  liarbe  Loisel,  the  widow  of  a  distinguished  officer, 
Francois  Le  Gautier,  Sieur  de  la  Vallee  Ranee;  it  occurred  Octo- 
ber 30,  1713;  the  witnesses  were,  Francois  de  la  For6t,  Command- 
ant, Du  Buisson,  Lt.  of  Marines,  J.  B.  Fachot,  Louis  Gatheau 
Mallet,  Francois  Rivard,  Sieur  de  Montendroe,  Etienue  Campau, . 
Trutard  and  Joseph  Parent. 


ir: 


1:^4'  ,  \ 


Early  French  Families. 


315 


This  family  is  known  under  various  titles,  T^ivanl  de  Lavigne, 
De  la  Glanderie,  Loran^er  do  St.  Mars,  de  ^lontendre,  dc  La- 
coursierc,  &c.  Its  founder  in  this  country  was  Nicolas  Itivard, 
Sieurde  Lavigne,  born  1G24,  married  at  Batiscan,  1(552. 

The  lliax  or  Yax  were  of  Dutch  oriirin  and  settled  at  an  early 
day  at  Fort  Pontchartrain.  The  children  of  Jean  Bapte  were:  1. 
Jean  Bapte.  born  ITOU,  married  178G,  Irene  Beaufait.  daughter  of 
Judge  Louis  Beaufait  and  Thertse  de  Mersac,  whose  cliiidren 
were:  Andre,  born  1787;  JSIonique,  born  1789,  married  1814,  Jo- 
seph Chauvin;  Antoine,  born  1790,  married  Julie  de  Mersac; 
Jean  Bapte,  born  1791;  Elizabeth,  born  1793,  married  Pierre 
Gouin;  2.  Pierre,  born  1765,  married  1795,  Archange  Seguin  de 
Laderoute,  whose  son  Pierre,  born  1795;  H.  Nicolas,  born  1709;  4. 
Joseph,  born  1773.  married  1792  Agnes  Chauvin; 5.  Francois,  born 
1773,  married  1799  Isalx  lie  Chapoton,  daughter  of  Jean  Bapte  and 
Felice  ('ecyre;  he  was  an  ensign  in  the  tirst  Kegiment  of  Militia 
organized  in  the  territory;  his  daughter  Archange,  born  1774,  mar- 
ried 1795  Paul  Plessis  Bellair,  son  of  Paul  and  Marianne  Ilery. 
In  1735  Rose  Kivard  married  Oliver  Plessis  Bellair. 


ST.  AUBIN. 


This  family  was  formerly  called  Casse,  and  is  one  of  the  very 
oldest  in  Detroit.  Jean  Casse,  dit  St.  Aubin,  came  to  Fort  Pont- 
chartrain as  early  as  1710.  He  brought  with  him  his  wife  Marie 
Louise  Gaultier  whcmi  he  had  married  at  Quebec  in  1707.  Their 
children -were:  1.  Joseph;  3.  Gabriel,  born  1712;  3.  Jean  Baple, 
1708;  4.  Agatho,  born  1710,  married  1734  Nicolas  Campau;  5. 
Chas;  6.  NolM;  7.  Therese;  8.  Catherine,  married  1751  Chas.  Cam- 
peau.  Jean  Bapte,  Jr.,  married  1731  jNIadeleine  Primeau.  daugh- 
ter of  Jean  and  Susanne  Bellanger  of  Quebec;  lie  died  in  1733. 
Charles  married  1741  Therese  Estene  daughter  of  Pierre  and  Mad- 
eleine Frappier;  she  died  in  1748.  He  married  in  1750  Marie 
Methe.  Many  of  his  descendants  reside  at  and  around  Detroit. 
NoOl  married  1731  Susanne  Estene,  daughter  of  I'ierre  and  Mad- 
eleine Frappier:  his  children  were:  1.  Jean  Bapte,  who  marr'ed 
1770  Therese  Boye,  daughter  of  Ignaceand  AngeliquedeCardonet 
whose  daughters  were:  Aichange,  born  1774;  Jeanne,  born  1775; 
2.  Susanne,  married  1771  Admirable  Latour. 

PiEiiiJE  Casse  St.  Aubin,  married  Marguerite  Brin  d'Amour; 
his  son  Louts  married  1775  Angelique  Chevalier,  daughter  of  Jean 
Bapte  an<l  Francoise  Lavoine  of  Mackinaw,  whose  son  Fuancois, 
born  1775,  was  intimately  identified  with  the  history  of  Detroit, 
and  who  is  still  remembered  by  many  of  our  older  citizens.  He 
resided  on  his  property  (now  known  as  the  St.  Aubin  farm).  Ta 
him  we  are  indebted  for  many  detailed  accounts  of  incidents  in 
the  early  days  of  tlie  English  conquest,  information  he  had  re- 


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:316 


Legends  .e  Detroit. 


•ceived  from  his  fiither.  icserved  through  Judge  Witherell's 

gniphic  peu.  Francois  ii....ried  Baseline  Campeiiu,  born  1784, 
daugliter  of  Jean  Bapte.  She  survived  hor  husband  nearly  forty 
years,  dying  at  the  advanced  age  of  eiglity-four.  Francois  had 
nine  children:  Louis  St.  Aubin.  married  ist,  TherC^se  Chapoton, 
2nd.  Madeleine  Cotterell;  Francois,  married  Virginia  Moran;  Mrs. 
Louis  Grosebeck;  Mrs.  Pierre  Provencal;  Mrs.  Eugene  W.  Wat- 
•son;  Mrs.  Pichard  Cornor;  Mrs.  John  F.  Godfroy  (of  Grand  Rap' 
ids);  Mrs.  Henry  Beaubien;  Mrs.  Antoine  Morass, 


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VILLIER  DIT  ST.  LOUIS. 

Several  prominent  families  of  Detroit  trace  back  to  Louis  v'"iii- 
LIKU,  born  1700,  son  of  Jean  and  Marguerite  Gatineau,  of  Toul, 
Lorraine.  He  had  been  educated  for  the  priesthood,  not  find- 
ing it  his  vocation,  determined  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  wilds  of 

•Canada,  which  offered  so  tempting  a  fleld  to  the  adventurous. 
From  Quebec  he  came  to  Detroit,  where  Cadillac  had  laid  tlie 
foundation  of  a  future  city.  He  married  there,  April  26,  1746, 
Marguerite    Morin,    daughter    of    Pierre    and    Josette    Drouet. 

'Through  her  motlier  jSIarguerite  was  related  to  Drouet,  Sieur  de 
Richaroille,  a  French  otticer;  to  the  Creviers  and  Le  Neuf  du 
Herrison,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  remarkable  families  of  Can- 
ada. Louis  was  called  St.  Louis  on  account  of  his  great  piety. 
He  died  in  1765,  leaving  the  following  children: 

1.  Louis,  born  1747,  married  1770,   Charlotte  Requindeau,  dit 

.  Joachin ;  family  tradition  relative  to  her  is  that  she  ran  away  from 
the  Ursuline  Convent  at  Quebec  to  marry  Louis.     She  was  related 
to  Gaulticr  De  Varennes,  Governor  of  Three  Rivers,  Petit,  Le- 
febres  and  many  other  prominent  families. 
3.  Christopher,  married  1785,  Josette  Suzor. 

3.  Mauiannf:,  married  1766,  Francois  Drouillard.  , 

4.  Mauie  Louise,  married  1767,  Jos.  Thos.  Dajot, 

5.  Jeanne,  born  1754.  Louis  and  Charlotte  Requindeau  had 
several  children:  1.  Louis  Vitus,  born  1776,  who  served  in  the 
■war  of  1812,  and  was  promoted  several  times  for  his  bravery.  He 
settled  at  Sandwich,  and  died  at  an  advanced  age;.  2.  Josettk 
married  Reaume;  3.  Hubeut,  married  Therese  Bartlie,  daughter 
of  Jean  Baptiste  and  Genevieve  Cullerier  de  Beaubien;  4.  Fran- 

•  ^ois,  X. 

Jeanne,  married  April  3,  1804,  Thomas  Lewis,  son  of  Thomas 
and  Josette  De  Lorme,  of  Three  Rivers,  Canada,  whose  children 
.are : 

Joseph,  married  Fanny  Sterling,  two  of  whose  children  reside 
.at  Boston,  Mass.,  one  at  Detroit. 

SopiiiF.,  married  Narcissus  Tourneur  dit  Jeannette. 

Thomas,  called  the  good-natured,  Governor  of   Grosse  Isle, 


[I 


Early  French  Families. 


31T 


married  Jeannette  Francheville  dc  Marcntettc,  widow  of  William 
Macomb,  whose  only  dau!:;lit(;r  married  Dallas  Norvell,  son  of 
Senator  John  Norvell.  He  married  a  second  lime  Mary  IJrown, 
by  whom  he  has  a  large  and  interesting  family;  Annk,  married 
liiehard  Godfroy. 

CiiAUi-OTTK,  married  Dr.  Fav,  a  partner  of  Dr.  Clark.  She 
married  a  second  time,  Henry  I^.  Bridge,  formerly  of  Boston,  ex- 
Controller  of  Detroit,  and  one  of  its  most  prominent  and  respect- 
ed citizens. 

8amui-:l,  married  Jenny  Fenton,  sister  of  Gov.  Fenton,  of 
Michigan.  Tie  died  in  1878,  universiilly  regretted.  lie  was  a 
successful  business  man,  a  genial  companion  and  a  Christian 
gentleman. 

Ai.KXANDEn,  married  1850,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Justus 
Ingersoll  and  Ann  Buckley.  He  has  a  large  and  exceptionally 
charming  family.  He  has  hehl  many  ofHces  of  ])ublic  trust: 
mayor,  tire  commissioner,  etc.  He  po.ssesses  in  an  eminent  de- 
gree that  courteous  manner  which  was  the  peci»liar  inheritance' 
of  the  old  French. 


VISSIER  DIT  LAFERTE. 


Antoine  Terault  dit  Laferte  served  in  the  regiment  of  M. 
de  Subercasse,  and  was  stationed  at  Fort  Pontchartrain  as  early  as- 
1710.  He  had  married,  at  Montreal,  Michelle  Fortin,  whose 
mother,  Loui.se  8'^mmillard,  was  the  daughter  of  the  Sargeant  at 
Arms,  and  sister  >!  Socur  Bourgeois,  foundress  of  the  order  of 
Notre  Dame,  at  Montreal. 

The  children  of  this  marriage  were:    Pierre,  born  1707,  whose 

fod-parents  were  Pierre  Bouclier  de  Boucherville  and  Madeleine 
(amothe  Cadillac;  Marianne,  born  1712;  Joseph,  born  1734. 
Louis  Vissieh  dit  Laferte  married  Louise  Lafoie,  by  whona 
he  liad  three  children.  In  1771  he  married  Catherine  L'Esprit 
dit  Champagne,  by  whom  he  had  a  large  family:  Louis,  born 
1772,  married,  1800,  Cath.  Campeau;  Alexis,  born  1773.  his 
descendants  reside  at  Detroit ;  Catherine,  born  177o,  married, 
1794,  Chas.  Morand  Grimard;  Angelique,  born  1776;  TherSse, 
born  1778;  Marianne,  born  1779. 

Joseph,  mariied  Mile.  Goyeau,  whose  son  Clemence  is  well 
known  in  Detroit;  and  the  Laferte  Farm  takes  its  name  from 
Joseph;  Pierre,  born  1788,  married  Marie  Louise  Lafoie,  whose 
son  Pierre  inherits  that  courtesy  of  manner  so  pecidiarly  the  gift 
of  the  French.     He  married  Mile.  Dauphin,  of  Canada. 


